Circadian rhythms
Circadian rhythm is the body's "biological clock," or 24-hour cycle. A body's circadian rhythms can be affected by light or darkness, which can make the body think it is time to sleep or wake up.
The 24-hour circadian rhythm controls functions such as:
- Sleeping and waking.
- Body temperature.
- The balance of body fluids.
- The way other body systems function.
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 25, 2007 |
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
May 25, 2007
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