Sleep wake cycle bio psychology paper 2

• What are the biological cycles in the human body described in the study material?

  They occur predictably, some many times a day, some once every 24 hours, and some take weeks or years to complete.
• What is an endogenous pacemaker?

  An endogenous pacemaker is an internal body clock that helps keep track of time.
• What does the term 'exogenous zeitgeber' refer to?

  An exogenous zeitgeber is an external environmental cue that helps regulate the internal body clock.
• What is the Latin origin of the term 'circadian rhythm'?

  'Circadian rhythm' comes from the Latin words 'circa' meaning around and 'diem' meaning day.
• What is the duration of a circadian rhythm?

  A circadian rhythm lasts around 24 hours.
• What is the primary example of a circadian rhythm mentioned in the study material?

  The sleep/wake cycle is the most obvious example of a circadian rhythm.
• How do exogenous zeitgebers influence sleep patterns?

  Exogenous zeitgebers, like light, can cue when to sleep or wake up.
• What is the role of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the sleep/wake cycle?

  The SCN is the endogenous pacemaker that regulates the sleep/wake cycle.
• Where is the SCN located in the brain?

  The SCN is located in the hypothalamus within the limbic system.
• What hormone does the pineal gland produce, and what is its effect?

  The pineal gland produces melatonin, which induces sleepiness.
• How does light affect melatonin production?

  Light suppresses melatonin production, making you feel less sleepy.
• What are some examples of exogenous zeitgebers mentioned in the study material?

  Social cues like meal timing and environmental cues like clocks are examples of exogenous zeitgebers.
• What does 'free-running' mean in the context of circadian rhythms?

  'Free-running' refers to the endogenous biological rhythm maintaining itself without external cues.
• What did Seif's study in a cave demonstrate about circadian rhythms?

  Seif's study showed that the body clock can extend beyond the normal 24-hour cycle to around 25 hours.
• What criticism was raised regarding Seif's study on circadian rhythms?

  Critics suggested that participants had control over artificial lights, potentially altering their biological clock.
• What did more recent work by Caesar suggest about the endogenous pacemaker?

  Caesar's work suggests that the endogenous pacemaker is precise and capable of maintaining an almost perfect 24-hour rhythm.
• What evidence supports the SCN as the endogenous pacemaker for the sleep/wake cycle?

  Ralph's experiment showed that destroying the SCN in hamsters altered their circadian rhythm significantly.
• What was the result of Ralph's experiment with mutant hamsters?

  Mutant hamsters had a circadian rhythm of just 20 hours, which normalized when they received the SCN from normal hamsters.
• What are the implications of understanding circadian rhythms for psychology and health services?

  Understanding circadian rhythms can help develop treatments for jetlag, improve athlete performance, and enhance productivity for shift workers.
• How does exposure to blue light affect circadian rhythms?

  Exposure to blue light can disrupt circadian rhythms and affect sleep patterns.
• What did research on a blind man reveal about circadian rhythms?

  The blind man had a circadian rhythm of 24.9 hours, indicating his sleep was out of synchronization with society.
• What is the evolutionary explanation for the day/night cycle in humans and other animals?

  The evolutionary explanation suggests that humans are specialized for daytime activity, while nocturnal animals are adapted for nighttime activity.
• What is chronobiology?

  Chronobiology is the study of biological rhythms, including circadian rhythms.
• How can circadian rhythms be affected in certain species during extreme conditions?

  Some species, like arctic reindeer, can lose their circadian rhythm during the Arctic summer when the sun never sets.
• What is the significance of the research on migrating birds regarding circadian rhythms?

  Migrating birds can turn off their circadian rhythms for weeks to facilitate their journey.
• How does the SCN influence hormone release in the body?

  The SCN regulates hormone release, including melatonin, which affects sleep patterns.
• What impact does shift work have on circadian rhythms?

  Shift work can disrupt circadian rhythms, leading to sleep disturbances and health issues.
• Why is understanding circadian rhythms important for mental health?

  Understanding circadian rhythms can help prevent anxiety and improve overall mental well-being.
• How does artificial light affect sleep patterns?

  Artificial light can disrupt natural sleep patterns and circadian rhythms.
• What are the implications of circadian rhythms for drug treatments?

  Circadian rhythms can help time drug treatments to maximize their effectiveness.