ultradian rhythms

    Cards (4)

    • ultradian rhythms

      cycles that last less than 24h
    • example of ultradian rhythms
      • stages of sleep
      • (light sleep -> REM sleep)
      • 90 min period
      • researched w/ EEG
    • P | limitation: studying ultradian rhythms like the stages of sleep is that are too many individual differences to account for

      E: Tucker et al (2007): duration of stages differs for individuals
      E: if each stage differs in length, is suggests biological factors differ from person to person could determine this cycle
      L: cannot generalise findings from studies to all members of the population
    • P | strength: research into ultradian rhythms has positive implications
      E: sleep scientists observed that the sleep/wake cycle reduces with age
      • growth hormones are produced during the sleep/wake cycle which are reduced in older people
      E: Cauter et al (2000): sleep deficit in an elderly could be due to reduced alertness & need medication & relaxation to increase sleep/wake cycle
      L: show practical value into ultradian rhythms so the elderly can sleep better