Retrieving "Sleep Wake Cycle" from the archives

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1. Circadian Rhythm

   Linked via "sleep-wake cycle"

   The Circadian Rhythm (from Latin circa, "about," and dies, "day") is an endogenous biological oscillation with a period approximating 24 hours. These intrinsic rhythms govern numerous physiological processes, including the sleep-wake cycle, hormone secretion, body temperature fluctuations, and metabolic rate in nearly all known life forms, from cyanobacteria to mammals. While commonly associated with the solar day, the rhythm itself is internal, operating independently of external time…

2. Circadian Rhythm

   Linked via "sleep-wake cycle"

   Rhythms and Behavior
   Behavioral rhythms, particularly the sleep-wake cycle, are among the most obvious manifestations. Chronic misalignment, such as that experienced by shift workers, leads to Circadian Rhythm Sleep-Wake Disorders ($\text{CRSWD}$)/). Furthermore, complex human cognitive tasks, especially those requiring adherence to rigid temporal schedules, demonstrate performance cliffs correlated with the internal clock. For instance, officials responsible for maintaining …

3. Suprachiasmatic Nucleus

   Linked via "sleep-wake cycles"

   The Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN) is a bilaterally symmetrical structure composed of approximately 20,000 neurons located in the anterior hypothalamus, immediately superior (supra) to the optic chiasm. It functions as the primary, or master, pacemaker for the circadian rhythms of diurnal and nocturnal organisms. The intrinsic oscillation period of the SCN is generally close to, but often deviates slightly from, 24 hours, necessitating phase adj…