Abstract This paper discusses the phenomenon of circadian rhythms. First, it discusses exactly what circadian rhythms are. The paper then discusses how the brain and environment regulate circadian rhythms. Next, the paper looks at why people sleep. Finally, the paper discusses the factors that affect how much time people sleep and are awake.
From the Paper "Whether asleep or awake, busy with daily activities such as work, play, or eating, humans show a very complex, yet very base, form of evolutionary progress. This evolution has allowed human beings to adapt to the natural 24-hour day/night routine that is dictated by the sun's rising and setting, and also dictates when certain activities must be done. This paper will look at the biological rationale for such activity, a process known as circadian rhythm. First, circadian rhythm will be defined and explained. Then, the brain and the environment's affectations upon circadian rhythms will be discussed. Third, the reasons why human beings must sleep will be studied. Finally, the essay will investigate the factors that dictate the time invested in sleep and awake states. Circadian rhythm is what has allowed human beings to adapt to the 24-hour cycle that makes up day and night in this world."
Abstract 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."
This paper discusses three Internet sites that examine the role "biological clocks", or circadian rhythms, play in regulating the human body's internal activities.
Abstract This paper explains that an important point that is illustrated in the "Biological Clocks, Brain Briefings" web site is the role that light, specifically sunlight, plays in affecting the activities, not only of humans, but also of mammals in general. The author points out that the Circadian Rhythm Information Web centers its attention on circadian rhythm disorders and provides three categories containing links to web sites that provide information about the topic. The paper concludes that further studies about this phenomenon may be applied to the studies of jet lag and alteration of biological clocks in the context of aging.
From the Paper "The article cites scientific experiments conducted on animals to illustrate how circadian rhythms, and any alteration or irregularity in its pattern, may result to changes in the body's internal rhythm. The article's simple, yet illustrative, explanation of circadian rhythm disorders among animals show how sleeping disorders such as jet lags are understood on a scientific basis. Apart from circadian rhythm disorders, the article also centered its discussion on the biochemical reactions that take place in the human body in response to these circadian rhythms."
An analysis of the article "Lighting for the Human Circadian Clock: Recent Research Indicates that Lighting Has Become a Public Health Issue" by S. Pauley.
Abstract The paper examines the article "Lighting for the Human Circadian Clock: Recent Research Indicates that Lighting Has Become a Public Health Issue" that reveals that certain illness rates, such as colorectal cancer and breast cancer, are much higher among nighttime shift workers than in the rest of the population. The paper explains the article's evidence that the disruption in the normal circadian rhythm of sleep-wake cycles inhibits the production of melatonin that in turn increases cancer rates. The paper discusses the implications of this research for nighttime workers and for the general public.
From the Paper "Prior to the Industrial Revolution, most people worked and carried on their daily life activities exclusively in the daytime and slept at night, primarily because without artificial lighting, there was no other choice. Once kerosene, gas, and incandescent lighting became widely used during the nineteenth century, people were able to make more productive use of nighttime hours, and 24-hour production became a possibility. Artificial lighting has become so common, that in modern societies, we take nighttime sporting events, all-night restaurants, and 24-hour casinos for granted. Certain industries run 'round the clock, with rotating shift workers on duty at all times."
Abstract The paper states that sleep is a fundamental requirement of all forms of biological life and that sleep deprivation has long been associated with decreased physical performance and mental acuity. The paper discusses more recent studies that have implicated both the quality of sleep and also the disruption of circadian cycles, even without any reduction to its overall amount, in various human health problems. The paper comments that to properly address these issues, contemporary vocational operations and practices should incorporate the latest indications of the relationship between common business operational management and the importance of adequate quality sleep and circadian regularity.
From the Paper "In general, psychological experiments including the study of sleep are susceptible both to the placebo effect and also to expectancy bias on the part of researchers.Czeisler, et al demonstrated experimentally that the natural human circadian cycle is actually slightly out of synch with the 24-hour earth day, but that exposure to light continually resets the human circadian rhythm from its natural 24.18 hours to the 24-hour cycle. Lamond, et al demonstrated the detrimental impact of night shift work cycles on vocational performance and similar studies on other organisms established the extent to which sleep deprivation undermines a wide range of basic biological functions including everything from feeding behavior, directional orientation, and even mating behavior."
Abstract The paper defines circadian rhythms as what has allowed human beings to adapt to the 24-hour cycle that makes up day and night in this world. The paper examines how the brain and environment regulate circadian rhythms. The paper looks at why people sleep and the various factors that affect how much time people are asleep and awake.
From the Paper "In this manner, our circadian rhythm gives our brain a real biological clock, that genetically gives us a checkpoint and outline for when to act and when to be inactive. This occurs because of an even more minute biological instance. These SCN neurons that we have discussed and defined "link to the tiny pineal gland, which secretes melatonin, a hormone that has a relaxing effect on the body" (Atkinson et al., 2003, p. 211). What occurs in this biological exchange is that during the day, the pineal gland is more dormant and relaxed and then, conversely, during the nighttime, "SCN neurons are inactive, allowing melatonin levels to increase and promoting relaxation and sleepiness" (Atkinson et al., 2003, p. 211). Thus, the brain has adapted and evolved to a night-and day-setup that the human body has enacted upon it."
Abstract The paper illustrates the relationship between stress load and stress response and its affect on working memory during the typical circadian cycle. The paper's methodological approach relies on the hypothesis that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be accurately utilized to identify neural activation patterns related to Cortisol that is released due to stress. The paper concludes that greater research is necessary in order to attain a better understanding of how Cortisol, through its derivatives and precursors, impacts the brain's ability to enable memory.
Outline:
Introduction
Stress Hormone: Cortisol
Cortisol Receptor Distribution
The Frontal Lobe and Working Memory
Circadian Effects, Glucocorticoids and Imagery
From the Paper "Stress is something that all humans experience. It is, in fact, part of the human experience. Yet, the affect of stress on the individual as well as its effects to the person experiencing it has been variously conceived by many researchers since its recognition as valid topic of research. While it is clear that most individuals conceive stress in different ways as an emotional response to various circumstances, the medical and psychological community have identified stress, or rather the body's reaction to it, as a having a potentially negative impact on individual health, mental performance, as well as memory (Zautra 36-8). In the area of mental performance and memory, stress and stressful situations greatly impact individual ability to perform to one's ability."
Abstract The paper examines a study on why adverse life events result in depression only in some individuals, a study on whether genetics has any association with the onset of depression following stressful life events, and a study on the treatment of major depressive disorders. The paper also discusses studies on the topics of bipolar disorder and recovery time from adverse life events, the variables that affect depression, recurring depression and finally, circadian rhythms and their affect on the mental processes of human beings.
Outline:
Introduction
Life Events and Depression
Stressful Life Events and Major Depression
Treatment of Major Depressive Disorders
Bipolar Disorder and Depression
Variables of Depression
Recurring Depression
Alcohol and Anxiety
Circadian Rhythms
Conclusion
From the Paper "The researchers studied individuals that had suffered from depression after a significant life event and those that had not. It was determined that the impact of adverse life events on people is dependent on two factors. First, that the event be associated with "adverse interpersonal events" rather than "adverse achievement events". Adverse interpersonal events are related to death of a close family member, while adverse achievement events as associated to accomplishments in life. The authors also found that cognitive personality characteristics were a significant factor in the individual's likelihood of developing depression because of the thought processes that altered the outlook of the individual."
Abstract This paper explains that Norman E. Rosenthal and his colleagues were the first to highlight a pattern of cyclical unipolar depression linked to the changing of the seasons, most often from fall to winter months through to the springtime, specifically November to March. The author points out three causation theories of SAD: (1) Fluxation of hormone levels, (2) neurobiology related to circadian rhythms or the body's internal clock, and (3) a biological and hormonal shift dependent on a person's geographical placement or latitude. The paper relates that, while phototherapy with artificial light is an excellent tool for treating SAD sufferers in the winter months, it has not shown to be nearly as effective as natural light, especially light that is absorbed during the summer months.
From the Paper "After Meesters modified Rosenthal's definition, it was possible to diagnose correctly many more patients under the umbrella of SAD. Thus, as greater numbers of people were diagnosed, observed trends began to develop. Three trends in particular were noticed early on and continue to prove true today. They included an overall lower rate of SAD in children compared to the general population, an increasing diagnosis rate in adolescents, and a much higher rate in adult females versus males. One study that became instrumental in establishing concrete evidence for the rates in children and adolescents was conducted after the inherent trends were noticed throughout the general population."
This paper is a research proposal seeking the relationship of sleep deprivation and early school starts and an extensive literature review exploring the sleep patterns of adolescents.
Abstract This paper explains that the tendency of adolescents to stay up later at night and sleep later in the morning, as compared to prepubescent children and adults, is not caused by choice but rather a natural circadian phase delay experienced by adolescents. The author points out that the ability to effectively interact with peers while learning and processing novel information may be diminished in many sleep-deprived adolescents. The paper states that a series of surveys and questionnaires will be used to gather relevant data will be gathered from parents, teachers and school administrators exploring the negative relationship of early start times and the health and well-being of adolescents. Chart and table.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Literature Review
Methods and Procedures
Introduction
Literature Review
Data Collection
Data Analysis Procedure
Design of the Study
Research Questions
Sample and Population
Instrumentation
Conclusion
From the Paper "Approximately every 90-minute during sleep, the brain goes through four stages of sleep, from light sleep to deep sleep. The most important stage is Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, also called "the dream stage." As you sleep, your brain become aware of the situation and take measures to solve it. Schools are to provide all students with knowledge and the opportunity to achieve regardless of limitations. Schools need to ensure good conditions in which learning takes place. If schools opened later, it would help the grades, attitudes and health of the students."
Abstract The paper explains that the circadian rhythms undergo changes and transitions during adolescence that cause the adolescent individual to require more sleep than previously. The paper shows how insufficient sleep is dangerous for the adolescent and others around them. The paper's research illustrates the difference an extra hour of sleep makes in the morning, making later starting times for schools of primary importance. The paper concludes that ample evidence exists to show that the problems associated with delaying school starting times will be well worth the effort in terms of outcomes for adolescent students.
Outline:
Literature Review
Summary of Literature Reviewed
From the Paper "In the work entitled: "Sleepiness and the Health and Performance on Adolescent Students" it is stated that there is evidence that sleep deprivation in the adolescent individual is very common and that this is important because sleep deprivation has a great negative effect on the cognition, memory, learning and behavior of the adolescent. (Canadian Institute of Health Research Report, 2002) According to Dr. Daniel S. Lewin, pediatric psychologists and pediatric sleep specialist for the Children's National Medical Center in Washington D.C. the normal day for an individual is 24 hours however the adolescents normal day is 25 to 26 hours which means that adolescents are not ready to go to sleep until later than the average individual. (Lesinski, 2002)"
Abstract The paper reveals that shift work, accompanied by irregular sleeping patterns in which the individual is unable to get enough sleep, results in occupational health and safety hazards and increases the individual's chances of depression and even cancer. The paper explores how lighting in the work place can reduce these negative effects experienced by shift workers while promoting workplace occupational health and safety. The paper focuses on two products available in today's market that have been shown to be effective in re-regulation of the circadian rhythm of workers, namely, the Sunnex Biotechnologies Greenlight System and the Litebook System.
Outline:
Objective
Introduction
Disadvantages of Shift Work
Sunnex Biotechnologies Greenlight System
Litebook System
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "Shift work has been demonstrated in scientific research to negatively affect the health of workers and even been noted to be a factor in women developing breast cancer. Shift work is a factor in many cases of depression and other health complications and diseases as well. The eye of the human being is sensitive to light in a variation of ranges based upon the wavelength of the light. Light-measurement considers the sensitivity curve of the eye, or the 'photonic response cycle' using the measurement-unit known as a 'lux'. Some light in this sensitivity range is brighter than other light. The following chart demonstrates that bright light of a yellow light than that of a deep blue light "even though their actual output may be the same.' (2001) "
This paper discusses desynchronosis ( Jet-lag ) and commercial aviation: Cause, biological and behavioral effects, circadian rhythms and sleep disturbances.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 10 sources, 1994, $ 55.95
From the Paper "The technological breakthroughs of the 20th century have raised many questions regarding physiologic adaptation and environmental adversity. One such area of research involves high speed travel and its effect on biological rhythms. Multiple time zone transitions result in a phenomenon known as desynchronization, or "jet lag." This condition can have significant biological and behavioral consequences; it could even, possibly, represent a potential threat to aircrews involved in transmeridian flights.
The first pilot to experience jet.lag was Wily Post. In 1933, he described various physiological alterations incurred while crossing time zones during global flight. These changes resulted primarily from shifts in ... "
Abstract This paper provides a scientific and informative look at the condition of insomnia, the subjective difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, or of non-restoritive sleep. It discusses the three causes of insomnia, secondary insomnia due to chronic pain, idiopathic insomnia and circadian rhythm sleep disorders, which include jet lag syndrome, delayed sleep phase syndrome and irregular sleep/wake patterns. Through an extensive literature review and personal accounts, the paper analyzes their signs and symptoms together with known treatments and cures.
From the Paper "Even though newer drugs may be more superior, they also have dangerous side effects. In 1986 the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology published an article of chemical drug use. In this study researchers found that drugs used to for treating pain may have undesirable side effects, which include: becoming addictive, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms. According to this study Benzodiazepens deplete the neurotransmitter serotonin, adding to depression and pain. The also incite that if taken over an eight week period the patients will increase in anger and hostility."
