PSYCH261 Lecture : Biological Psychology 10th Edition Chapter 9
16 Oct 2011
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We have daily rhythms of wakefulness and sleep. Animals: have 24 hour cycle of waking and sleep, partly dependent on temperature and light. Endogenous circannual rhythm: for preparing for seasonal change; inner mechanism. Ex. fluctuating temperature: 36. 7c at night, 37. 2c in late afternoon. Child: early sleep time and early wake; later times gradually up to age 20 then decreasing. Circadian rhythm is reset with light (zeitgeiber); also partly with exercise, noise, medications. Blind people: usually use other zeitgeibers; if circadian rhythm is disrupted, takes days to fix. Sleepiness in the day and sleeplessness at night. Usually easier to go west (backwards in time) than east (forwards) Best if one sleeps in a very dark room and works in a very bright room. Biological clock: developed by brain; strong against interference (ex. Aka scn: controls circadian rhythm; damage leads to inconsistent body temperature; doesn"t follow light/dark. If detach d from brain, still produces c. r. -like action potentials.
