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circadian rhythm |
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circadian rhythm: see rhythm, biological rhythm, biological, cyclic pattern of physiological changes or changes in activity in living organisms, most often synchronized with daily, monthly, or annual cyclical changes in the environment. ..... Click the link for more information. . circadian rhythmInherent cycle of approximately 24 hours in length that appears to control or initiate various biological processes, including sleep, wakefulness, and digestive and hormonal activity. The natural signal for the circadian pattern is the change from darkness to light. The controlling mechanism for these cyclic processes within the body is thought to be the hypothalamus. Any change in the circadian cycle (such as jet lag and other conditions associated with travel) requires a certain period for readjustment. circadian rhythm [sər′kād·ē·ən ′rith·əm] (physiology) A self-sustained cycle of physiological changes that occurs over an approximately 24-hour cycle, generally synchronized to light-dark cycles in an organism's environment. How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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Then, biologists found they could throw the eyes' rhythms out of sync with other circadian cycles. The same research team now has completed a larger study designed to find out how people with normal sleep patterns react to different light patterns given at varying stages in their circadian cycles. |
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