circadian rhythms Flashcards
what are circadian rhythms? give 2 examples
rhythms that last for around 24 hours which regulate a number of body processes such as the sleep wake cycle and changes in body temperature
what controls the sleep wake cycle?
suprachiasmatic nucleus
where is the SCN located?
just above the optic chiasm which provides information from the eye about light
explain Siffre’s cave study
spent several extended periods of time underground to study the effects on his own biological rhythms. He was deprived of exposure to natural light and sound but had access to adequate food and drink. His results were that his “free running” biological rhythm settled down to one that was just beyond the 24 hours and continued to fall asleep and wake up on a regular schedule
what is a strength of circadian rhythms (shift work)?
research into CR has provided an understanding of the consequences that occur when the rhythms are disrupted. EG, night shift workers experience a period of reduced concentration around 6 in the morning meaning mistakes are more likely. there is also a relationship between shift work and poor health as shift workers are 3x more likely to develop heart disease. This shows that research may have real world economic implications as businesses can understand how best to manage worker productivity
what is a strength of circadian rhythms (medical treatment)?
research has been used to improve medical treatments. Circadian rhythms co ordinate a number of the body basic processes such as heart rate. These rise and fall during the day which has lead to chronotherapeutics- how medical treatment can be administered to correspond with bio rhythms. EG, aspirin is most effective when taken at night as heart attacks are most likely to occur in the early morning. This shows that CR research can help the effectiveness of drug treatments
what is a limitation of circadian rhythms (individual differences)?
generalisations are hard to make. this is because many of the studies done only include one ppt or a very small group but biological rhythms may vary from person to person. This means that it is difficult to us the research data to discuss anything other than averages which may be meaningless
