Psychology biological rhythms

Question 1

Cyclical natural rhythms

Answer 1

• Sleep wake cycle
• Body temperature changes
• Endocrine changes
• Menstrual cycle.

Question 2

Circadian rhythm

Answer 2

24-hour cycle
*e.g sleep wake cycle, hormone secretion, heart rate and body temp
*Determine by the internal body clock located in the hypothalamus referred to as the (SCN)
*SCN receives information from optic nerve about light
*Triggers pineal gland to release melatonin
*Melatonin, makes you drowsy it is a sleep hormone
*Influenced by zeitgeber, external cues
(light, temperature)

Question 3

Ultradian rhythm

Answer 3

Less than 24-hours

*e.g NREM-REM sleep cycle, eye blinks, alertness

Question 4

Infradian rhythm

Answer 4

Longer than 24-hours (days or months)

*e.g menstrual cycle