exogenous zeitgebers

Question 1

light

Answer 1

KEY zeitgeber in humans
it can reset the SCN
- indirect effect on hormone secretion

campbell & murphy demonstrated light can be detected by skin receptor sites even if they aren’t eyes
15 ppts were awoken at different times and light was shone on back of their knees
- researchers managed to create deviation of sleep/wake cycles for up to 3hrs
SUGGESTS light is powerful exogenous zeitgeber that do not rely on eyes

Question 2

social cues

Answer 2

circadian rhythms start at around 16 weeks
- schedules by parents are a key factor including adult-determined meal and bedtimes
-research suggests adapting to local times for eating and sleeping is an effective way for entraining circadian rhythms and beating jetlag