The Sleep-Wake Cycle

• How does the sleep-wake cycle manifest in daily activities?

  • Peak alertness in the afternoon
  • Lowest body temperature in the morning
  • Peak muscle strength during evening sports
• What is the sleep-wake cycle classified as?

  A 24-hour circadian rhythm
• What does the sleep-wake cycle affect?

  Various bodily functions throughout the day
• What hormone is produced by the pineal gland?

  Melatonin
• What regulates melatonin production in the body?

  Suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)
• How does the sleep-wake cycle influence a student's study habits?

  Students study best when alert in the afternoon
• What role does the SCN play in the body?

  It synchronizes the sleep-wake cycle.
• How does the SCN help regulate our daily rhythms?

  It synchronizes our sleep-wake cycle with the day.
• What role does the SCN play in regulating metabolic rhythms?

  It influences peripheral clocks in other tissues
• What controls the sleep-wake cycle?

  Our internal biological clock
• How do circadian rhythms affect bodily functions?

  They regulate sleep, wake, and other functions
• How long does recovery from jet lag take?

  About one day per time zone crossed
• How does the SCN receive light information?

  Via the optic nerve and chiasm
• What is the function of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)?

  • Acts as the body's main biological clock
  • Synchronizes sleep-wake cycles with the 24-hour day
  • Receives light information via the optic nerve
• How does light exposure affect the biological clock?

  It synchronizes the SCN with peripheral clocks
• Where is the suprachiasmatic nucleus located?

  In the hypothalamus
• What are the consequences of disruptions to the light-dark cycle?

  • Desynchronization of biological rhythms
  • Negative effects on health
  • Impaired metabolic function
• What is disrupted by jet lag?

  Circadian rhythm
• Who is most susceptible to jet lag?

  Frequent travelers, like flight attendants
• What happens to alertness during jet lag?

  Decreased alertness
• How does light affect melatonin production during the day?

  Light inhibits melatonin production
• What happens to melatonin levels as darkness falls?

  Melatonin levels rise
• What is the primary regulator of the biological clock in our brain?

  Suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)
• How does the body's preparation for sleep relate to melatonin levels?

  High melatonin levels signal preparation for sleep
• What is the effect of melatonin on the body during the day and night?

  • Day: Low melatonin levels lead to wakefulness
  • Night: High melatonin levels induce sleepiness
• How does jet lag affect biological processes?

  It interferes with essential biological processes
• What does the internal clock help you with?

  Staying on schedule
• What happens when the light-dark cycle is disrupted?

  It leads to desynchronization affecting health
• What happens when you study late at night regarding melatonin release?

  Lack of light triggers melatonin release
• What are circadian rhythms?

  Natural 24-hour cycles
• What is another symptom of jet lag?

  Fatigue and difficulty focusing
• What is one symptom of jet lag?

  Disturbed sleep patterns
• When does a student typically feel most energetic according to the sleep-wake cycle?

  During evening sports
• What are the key components of circadian rhythms?

  • Natural 24-hour cycles
  • Regular sleep pattern
  • Regular wake pattern
• What digestive issue can arise from jet lag?

  Digestive problems
• What mood changes can occur due to jet lag?

  Mood changes and irritability
• What is the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)?

  It is the body's main biological clock.