ultradian rhythms AO3

Question 1

evaluation of ultradian rhythms - individual differences (limitation)

Answer 1

• limitation of ultradian rhythms research is there is significant variation between people
• tucker et al found large differences between participants in terms of the duration of each sleep stage, particularly stage 3 and 4. tucker et al suggests that these differences are likely to be biologically determined
• this makes it difficult to describe ‘normal sleep’ in any meaningful way

Question 2

evaluation of ultradian rhythms - improved understanding (strength)

Answer 2

• strength of research into ultradian rhythms is that it has improved understanding of age-related changes in sleep
• sleep scientists have observed that deep sleep reduces with age. growth hormone is mostly producing during deep sleep therefore this is reduced in older people. according to cauter et al, the resulting sleep deficit may explain various issues in old age such as reduced alertness. in order to increase deep sleep, relaxation and medication may be used
• this suggests that knowledge of ultradian rhythms has practical value