Circadian Rhythms

Essay # 114745

Biology
Medical and Health

Circadian Rhythms

An overview of the function and types of circadian rhythms.

1,542 words () | 5 sources | APA | 2009 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how the circadian rhythm is a very important biological rhythm to every living organism on Earth except for plants. The paper relates that circadian rhythm is important to different bodily functions and allows organisms to keep a mental clock of the world around them. The paper also looks at how our circadian rhythm is affected by different stimuli and how it prepares us for the next 24-hour day.

From the Paper:

"Disruptions in circadian rhythms can have an effect on serious situations in the professional world. As noted above in the example of workers who are at risk of disruptions in their biological clocks due to late night hours, such as truck drivers and night shift security guards, workers must regulate strict sleep schedules in order to perform the best to their ability at their jobs. It is very dangerous for truck drivers to not get adequate sleep if they are driving long distances throughout the night because it puts both the truck driver and other drivers on the road at risk while driving. Truck drivers can easily fall asleep, swaying off the road and causing horrific traffic accidents that can pose serious threats on highways. Security guards on the other hand, especially ones who guard entrances to buildings, malls, stores, and private communities, must remain awake to ensure no suspicious individuals or criminals enter the facilities they are guarding."

Sample of Sources Used:

Hofstra, W. A., & Weerd, A.W. (2008). How to assess circadian rhythms in humans: a review of literature. Epilepsy & Behavior, 1. Retrieved November 22, 2008, from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6WDT-4T0801X-1&_user=7
Mobbs, C., & Hoff, P. (Eds.). (1998). Functional endocrinology of aging (Vol. 29). Switzerland: Karger AG.
Weerth, C., Zijl, R.H., & Buitelaar, J. (2003). Development of cortisol circadian rhythm in infancy. Early Human Development, 1. Retrieved November 24, 2008, from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T65-494CHR8-1&_user=7
Weiten, W. (2008). Psychology themes and variations. Mason, OH: Thomson.
Wisor, J.P., Pasurmarthi, R.K., Gerashchenko, D., Thomson, C.L., Pahak, S., Sancar, A., et al. (2008). Sleep deprivation effects on circadian clock gene expression in the cerebral cortex parallel electroencephalographic differences among mouse strains. The Journal of Neuroscience,1. Retrieved November 22, 2008, from http://www.jneurosci.org/cgi/content/abstract/28/28/7193