Question 1: Define the term 'biological rhythm' and give one example other than the sleep-wake cycle.

Answer: A biological rhythm is a natural, regular change in biological processes or behavior that occurs over a period of time. An example other than the sleep-wake cycle is the menstrual cycle.

Question 2: Describe what a circadian rhythm is and how it affects our daily activities.

Answer: A circadian rhythm is a 24-hour cycle in the physiological processes of living beings. It influences patterns like sleep and wakefulness, body temperature, and hormone release, helping us feel alert during the day and sleepy at night.

Question 3: Explain why exposure to natural light is important for maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm.

Answer: Natural light helps regulate the production of melatonin, a hormone that makes us feel sleepy. Exposure to daylight during the day helps keep our circadian rhythm aligned with the outside world, promoting better sleep and alertness.

Question 4: Identify two factors that can disrupt a person's circadian rhythm.

Answer: Two factors that can disrupt circadian rhythms are shift work (working at night and sleeping during the day) and jet lag caused by crossing multiple time zones.

Question 5: Describe what happens to the body’s temperature and hormone levels during the sleep cycle.

Answer: Body temperature decreases slightly during sleep, reaching its lowest point in the early morning. Hormone levels, such as melatonin, increase in the evening to promote sleep and decrease in the morning to help wakefulness.

Question 6: Sketch a simple graph showing the general pattern of body temperature over a 24-hour period.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a wave-like line starting at a moderate level, dipping to its lowest point in the early morning hours, and rising again during the day, peaking in the late afternoon or early evening.

Question 7: Explain the role of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in regulating biological rhythms.

Answer: The SCN, located in the brain's hypothalamus, acts as the body's internal clock. It receives light signals from the eyes and helps coordinate and regulate circadian rhythms, including sleep-wake cycles.

Question 8: Identify one practical way to help maintain a healthy circadian rhythm when experiencing jet lag.

Answer: One practical way is to get exposure to natural light during the day at the destination, which helps reset the internal clock to the new time zone.

Question 9: Describe what a 'free-running' circadian rhythm is and how it differs from a typical 24-hour cycle.

Answer: A free-running circadian rhythm occurs when an individual's internal clock runs without external cues, often lasting slightly longer or shorter than 24 hours. Unlike a typical cycle synchronized to the 24-hour day, it can drift over time.

Question 10: Reflect on why understanding biological rhythms is important for health and well-being.

Answer: Understanding biological rhythms helps us optimize sleep, manage shift work, and prevent health issues related to disrupted rhythms, such as fatigue or hormonal imbalances. It supports maintaining overall physical and mental health.