Ultradian rhythm

Ultradian Rhythm is a recurrent period or cycle repeated throughout a 24-hour circadian day. Unlike Circadian Rhythms, which tend to have a period of approximately 24 hours, ultradian rhythms have a shorter duration, typically less than 24 hours.

Overview

Ultradian rhythms are prevalent in the functioning of the human body. They are observed in the cycle of sleep stages, heart rate, mood, appetite, and other physiological functions. The term "ultradian" is derived from the Latin ultra, meaning "beyond", and dies, "day". This is in contrast to Infradian Rhythms, which have periods longer than a day.

Biological Significance

Ultradian rhythms play a crucial role in various biological processes. For instance, the Human Sleep Cycle is an ultradian rhythm that consists of alternating periods of REM (Rapid Eye Movement) and NREM (Non-Rapid Eye Movement) sleep.

The Endocrine System also exhibits ultradian rhythms in the release of hormones. For example, the Pituitary Gland releases the growth hormone in pulses approximately every 3-5 hours.

Research and Studies

Research into ultradian rhythms has provided insights into the functioning of the human body and the effects of disrupting these rhythms. Disruptions to ultradian rhythms have been linked to various health conditions, including sleep disorders, mood disorders, and metabolic disorders.

See Also

• Circadian Rhythms
• Infradian Rhythms
• Chronobiology
• Biological Rhythm