circadian

(adjective)

Of, relating to, or showing rhythmic behavior with a period of 24 hours; especially of a biological process.

Related Terms

Examples of circadian in the following topics:

  • Circadian Rhythms

    • Circadian rhythms are found in most living things, including animals, plants, and many tiny microbes.
    • Circadian rhythms are important in determining human sleep patterns.
    • Circadian rhythms, as we’ve just discussed, are heavily influenced by light.
    • Circadian rhythms have a hand in determining when we are alert and when we become sleepy.
    • Analyze the role that circadian rhythms play in the sleep cycle

  • The Influence of Genes on Behavior

    • In another example, Seymour Benzer discovered he could breed certain fruit flies with others to create distinct behavioral characteristics and change their circadian rhythms.

  • The Endocrine System

    • Melatonin: comes from the pineal gland; affects circadian rhythm and sleep cycles.

  • Sleep-Wake Disorders

    • ., narcolepsy, a breathing-related sleep disorder, a circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorder, a parasomnia).