I Just Want To Sleep!

Understanding Circadian Rhythm

By: Sumayia Hussain Sabantu YusufSelam Kidane

What Is It?

• “Body Clock” • Behavioral oscillation (back and forth

variation/pattern) of 24 hours– Periods of activity and inactivity – Example: feeling alert at certain times and drowsy at

other times• Controlled by neurons in the brain

– Region: superchiasmatic nucleus • Affected strongly by sunlight

– Natural cue for daily sleep-wake schedule • Occurs in all living things

Picture Time!

Purpose

• To develop biological rhythms in response to environmental patterns of Earth

• Better organize behavior and activities • Part of our health and that of other living things

is dependent on maintaining proper cycles– Humans: Sleep-Wake cycle– Plants: Flowering and photosynthesis– Insects: Locomotion and feeding

Disorders

• Jet lag– Problems in cycles of sleep due to conflict between time

zones– Occurs during travel– Going east results in more severe jet lag than going west

• Easier to delay sleep than advance sleep

• Shift Work Disorder– Frequently rotate or work at night

• Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder– “night owl”

Any Questions?

Thank You!