Biopsychology - Biological Rhythms Flashcards
What are biological rhythms?
The natural cycle of changes in our body’s chemicals or functions
What are the 3 biological rhythms?
Ultradian
Circadian
Infradian
What is the Ultradian rhythm?
A recurring function at regular intervals in less than 24 hours
What is an example of an Ultradian rhythm?
The sleep cycle
What is the circadian rhythm?
The body’s biological internal clock working at approximately 24 hours
What is an example of the circadian rhythm?
The sleep/wake cycle
What is the Infradian rhythm?
A rhythm in regular occurrence in cycles of more than 24 hours
What is an example of the Infradian rhythm?
The menstrual cycle
What are exogenous zeitgebers?
External factors
What are some examples of exogenous zeitgebers?
Light/dark or social cues
What are endogenous pacemakers?
Internal factors
What are some examples of endogenous pacemakers?
Hormones e.g. melatonin
What is entrainment?
Resetting the biological using exogenous zeitgebers
What study was done on the effects of a lack of exogenous zeitgebers on biological rhythms?
Siffre’s cave study
What was the procedure of Siffre’s cave study?
Spent 2 months in the caves of the southern alps deprived of natural light & sound but had access to food & water & re-surfaced in mid sept 1962 believing it to be mid august
