Infradian + Ultradian Rhythms

Question 1

Infradian rhythm

Answer 1

A type of biological rhythm with a duration of more than 24 hours
Seasonal affective disorder/menstrual cycle

Question 2

Menstrual cycle

Answer 2

Governed by monthly changes in hormone levels which regulate ovulation
Cycle takes 28 days to complete and during each cycle, rising levels of hormone oestrogen causes ovary to develop an egg and release it.

Question 3

Research MC (stern + McClintock

Answer 3

Demonstrated how synchronisation during mesnturation works
Found 68% of women experienced changes to their cycle closer to their ‘odour donor’ after Cotten pads were put under armpits and then rubbed on upper lip of other participants
Cotten pads were worn for 8 hours to pick up pheromones
MC is influenced by exogenous factors, such as cycles of other women

Question 4

SAD

Answer 4

Seasonal affective disorder - depressive disorder due to season
Low mood and less interest in life
Symptoms r triggered when daylight hours become shorter
Even tho seen as infradian rhythm it can also be seen as a circadian rhythm as the experience of sad may be due to the disruption of the sleep/wake cycle
Perhaps due to melatonin factor as pineal gland releases it in night until there is an increase in light, winter = lack of light so more melatonin which can effect serotonin production linking to depression

Question 5

Ultradian rhythms

Answer 5

Type of bio rhythm which is shorter than 24hours
Stages of sleep cycle

Question 6

5 stages of sleep cycle

Answer 6

90 mins + continues throughout night
1 + 2 = light sleep where person can be easily woken, brainwave patterns r slow then slower as deeper sleep
3 + 4 = delta waves which r slower, deep wave and difficult to wake someone
5 = REM - rapid eye movement
sleep, body is paralysed yet brain activity speeds up significantly
Research suggests REM activity is correlated highly with dreaming