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Circadian rhythms
Circadian rhythms are roughly 24-hour cycles in the biochemical, physiological, or behavioral processes of living beings. These are essentially internal biological clocks that regulate a wide array of functions, from sleep-wake cycles and hormone secretion to body temperature and metabolism. The term "circadian" comes from Latin, meaning "around a day."
While internal, these rhythms are typically synchronized, or "entrained," by external cues, the most powerful being light-dark cycles. In mammals, the master circadian pacemaker is located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus. The SCN receives light signals from the eyes and orchestrates the release of hormones like melatonin, which promotes sleep, and cortisol, which aids wakefulness. Disruptions to circadian rhythms, often due to shift work or jet lag, can have significant negative impacts on health and well-being. Understanding these rhythms is crucial in fields like medicine and animal behavior.
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Sakshi Negi
Sakshi Negi is a Delhi-based journalist and content specialist with expertise in educational content and digital media, focusing particularly on government exam preparation and career guidance. With a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from NRAI School of Mass Communication and her background as a Kendriya Vidyalaya alumna, she brings unique insights into the Indian education system and government sector opportunities.
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