PSYC1003 Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: Circadian Rhythm, Jet Lag, Melatonin
Document Summary
The electroencephalogram (eeg): monitoring of brain electrical activity; physiological index of consciousness. Brain waves: frequency (cycles per second) of brain waves can help determine the state of consciousness that a person is in. Using eegs allowed us to see that the brain doesn"t just shut off when we sleep. Circadian rhythms: 24-hour biological cycles; regulation of sleep/ other bodily functions- important in regulations of temperature, blood flow, hormone productions. Physiological pathway: light levels retina superchiasmatic nucleus of hypothalamus pineal gland secretion of melatonin. Melatonin: hormone that plays a role in sleep/maintaining circadian rhythms; ignoring and realigning circadian rhythms- our society disrupts our circadian rhythms: waking up early and staying up late for work leads to a sleep debt . Jet lag: changing time zones disrupts circadian rhythm- 3+ hours can take several days to adjust, traveling westward is easier (lengthening your day vs. shortening it)
