infradian rhythms

    Cards (18)

    • What are infradian rhythms?
      Rhythms lasting longer than a day
    • How often does the menstrual cycle occur?
      Roughly every 28 days
    • What hormones control the menstrual cycle?
      Oestrogen and progesterone
    • What happens to the womb lining if there is no pregnancy?
      The womb lining sheds
    • What is seasonal affective disorder (SAD)?
      A type of depressive disorder that is seasonal
    • What triggers low mood in SAD sufferers?
      Reduced hours of daylight in winter
    • How does lack of light affect melatonin levels in SAD?
      It causes increased melatonin levels
    • What is a real-world application of understanding SAD?
      • Development of phototherapy
      • Use of light boxes to reset melatonin levels
    • How do light boxes help SAD sufferers?
      They relieve symptoms by resetting melatonin levels
    • What does the use of light boxes suggest about light's role in infradian rhythms?
      It supports the role of light in regulating rhythms
    • What did German's research find about SAD prevalence?
      More common in Northern US states
    • What percentage of people in New Hampshire are affected by SAD?
      Around 10%
    • What percentage of people in Southern Florida are affected by SAD?
      About 2%
    • What does reduced exposure to sunlight in winter lead to?
      Increased melatonin production
    • How does increased melatonin production affect the sleep-wake cycle?
      It disrupts the sleep-wake cycle
    • What external factors can alter the menstrual cycle?
      Exposure to other women’s pheromones
    • What did Stern & McClintock's research suggest about menstrual cycles?
      Women can synchronize their periods
    • What is important to consider regarding infradian rhythms?
      Both biological and environmental influences