Evaluation Of Circadian Rhythms Flashcards
What has knowledge given research a better understanding of?
Of the adverse consequences that occur as a result of their disruption
What has research suggested a relationship between?
Between shift work and poor health - shift workers three times more likely to develop a disease which may be due to stress of adjusting to different sleep patterns
How might research into the sleep/wake cycle have economic implications?
In terms of how best to manage worker productivity
What do circadian rhythms coordinate?
A number of the body’s basic processes such as heart rate/digestion and hormone levels - this has an effect on pharmacokinetics
What are pharmacokinetics?
Action of drugs on the body and how well they are absorbed and distributed
What has research into circadian rhythms revealed?
That there are peak times during the day/night when drugs are likely to be at their most effective - led to development of guidelines
What are limitations about the size of RPS used in studies?
They are small so may not be representative of the wider population and therefore limits generalisation
What did Siffre observe in his most recent study?
At the age of 60, his internal clock ticked much more slowly than when he was a young man - illustrating factors which impact on circadian rhythms
How might individual differences occur?
Individual cycles may vary from 30-65 hours and some people have preferences on when to go to bed/wake up
