Human Biological Clock

Human Biological Clock= endogenous (generated within) circadian (circum=about/dies = day) rhythms that last about a day.

Curt Richter (1967) introduced the concept that the brain generates its own rhythms

Mammals, including humans, have circadian rhythms in their waking and sleeping, eating and drinking, urination, secretion of hormones, sensitivity to drugs, and other variables Circadian rhythms differ among individuals (Some people are morning people but some are not) Our circadian rhythms generate a period close to 24 hours, but they are not perfect. We readjust our internal workings daily to stay in phase with the outside world. Sometimes, we misadjust them.

Zitgeber
Without something to reset the circadian rhythm, it would drift further and further. The stimulus that resets the circadian rhythm is referred to zeitgeber Light is the dominant zeitgeber for land animals. In addition to light, other zeitgebers include -exercise -noise -meals -environment temperature

due to crossing time zones Travelers complain of sleepiness during the day, sleeplessness at night, depression, and impaired concentration. All these problems stem from the mismatch between internal circadian clock and external time Most of us find it easier to adjust to crossing time zones going west than east .

Jet Lag-A disruption of circadian rhythms

Mechanism of Biological Clock

The biological clock depends on part of the hypothalamus, called the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). The SCN generates circadian rhythms itself in a genetically controlled, unlearned manner The SCN is located just above the optic chiasm. A small branch of the optic nerve, known as the

The Retinohypothalamic path to the SCN comes from a special population of retinal ganglion cells that have their own photopigment, called melanopsin, which can directly respond to light even if they do not receive any input from rods or cones The special ganglion cells are located mainly near the nose, & respond to light slowly and turn off slowly when the light ceases. Therefore, they respond to the overall average amount of light.

Melatonin
Th e SCN regulates waking and sleeping by controlling activity levels in pineal gland which releases the hormone melatonin, that can influences circadian rhythms A moderate dose of melatonin in the afternoon advances the clock. Repeated doses,, causing the person to get sleepy later than usual at night and

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