Circaidian Rhythms Flashcards
1
Q
What is a circadian rhythm
A
24 hour body clock, the sleep wake cycle is an example of a circadian rhythm.
2
Q
Exogenous zeitgeber
A
External cue for when we should sleep, light is an example
3
Q
Endogenous pacemaker
A
Internal body clocks or time keepers
4
Q
What sends messages concerning the level of brightness
A
Suprachiasmatic nucleus
5
Q
Melatonin.
A
Produced by the pineal gland- increase levels of drowsiness
6
Q
What is a free running rhythm
A
Allows the body to run without the influence of any environmental or external influences
7
Q
Research from siffre
A
Spent several extended periods of time in a cave in order to remove any exogenous zeitgebers
He found that the absence of external cues significantly altered his circadian rhythm
Sleep wake cycle increased to 25 hours
