Introduction to Behavioral Neuroscience: Biological Rhythms and Sleep

These flashcards contain key vocabulary terms and definitions related to biological rhythms and sleep as covered in the behavioral neuroscience course.

Circadian rhythms

Biological cycles that repeat approximately every 24 hours, such as the sleep-wake cycle.

Chronobiology

The study of biological clocks and biological rhythms within an organism.

Free-running period

The time between waking up each day in conditions of constant dim light or darkness.

Circadian rhythm

Biological rhythms that follow a roughly 24-hour cycle, influenced by external cues.

Mesor

The adjusted average of a rhythm.

Photic phase response curve

The relationship between light exposure and shifts in circadian rhythms.

Suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)

The master clock in the brain located in the hypothalamus that regulates circadian rhythms.

Melatonin

A hormone secreted by the pineal gland; its secretion is inhibited by light and plays a role in regulating sleep.

Narcolepsy

A sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks.

Social jetlag

The misalignment between an individual's biological clock and their social clock, leading to poor sleep quality.

Homeostatic pressure

The drive to sleep based on the amount of sleep debt accumulated.

Polysomnography

A comprehensive sleep study used to diagnose sleep disorders, measuring brain waves, eye movements, and muscle activity.