circadian rhythms

Question 1

What is a circadian rhythm?

Answer 1

A circadian rhythm is a timing mechanism, or ‘body clock,’ that controls the biological and physiological processes that occur in our bodies on a roughly 24-hour timetable.

Question 2

What is an example of a circadian rhythm?

Answer 2

An example of a circadian rhythm is the sleep-wake cycle.

Question 3

What are circadian rhythms are controlled by?

Answer 3

The hypothalamus which is an area of our brain in charge of keeping our bodies in a balanced state called homeostasis. Specifically, our sleep-wake cycle is controlled by an area of the hypothalamus called the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). The SCN communicates with the pineal gland which releases melatonin.

Question 4

Why does our energy level fluctuate throughout the day, and how does our body signal when it`s time to rest?

Answer 4

This is why we may feel more sleepy or energetic at various points in our day. It is our bodies’ way of telling us when we should be sleeping.

Question 5

Another name for our biological clocks

Answer 5

Endogenous pacemakers and these can be affected by external factors called exogenous pacemakers (such as light or drugs).