Infradian And Ultradian Rhythms

Question 1

What are infradian rhythms

Answer 1

Rhythms that have a duration of over 24 hours, and may be weekly, monthly or even annually

Question 2

What are ultradian rhythms

Answer 2

Rhythms that last less than 24 hours

Question 3

What are 2 examples of infradian rhythms

Answer 3

1. The menstrual cycle
2. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Question 4

What are 2 examples of ultradian rhythms

Answer 4

1. Sleep cycle
2. The basic rest activity cycle (BRAC)

Question 5

What is seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Answer 5

A seasonal variation in mood with some people becoming severely depressed during winter months

Question 6

How does melatonin trigger SAD

Answer 6

• during winter, lack of light in morning means more melatonin, which affects production of serotonin= depressive symptoms

Question 7

Describe what happens during the menstrual cycle

Answer 7

• lasts around 28 days and releases oestrogen- causing egg to be released
• then progesterone released to thicken womb lining
• if pregnancy doesn’t occur egg is absorbed and womb lining breaks down- menstrual flow

Question 8

How many stages of sleep are the

Answer 8

5

Question 9

Describe the stages of sleep

Answer 9

First 4 stages= REM (rapid eye movement) and last stage= NREM (non-rapid eye movement)

Question 10

What is the basic rest activity cycle

Answer 10

A 90-minute rhythm cycle characterised by a period of alertness followed by a spell of fatigue. This occurs every 90-minutes throughout the day