What Are Circadian Rhythms; How Do They Normally Affect Our

question 391

Essay

What are circadian rhythms; how do they normally affect our motivation and alertness; what are the detrimental effects of interrupting these rhythms through travel, shift work changes, or "burning the midnight oil"; and how can these detrimental effects be treated?

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Definitions:

Sensory Information

Data received by the senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell) that is processed by the brain.

Past Memory

The recall of information about previous events or experiences from an individual's life; often differentiated by episodic (personal events) and semantic (factual knowledge) memory.

Dissociation

A psychological experience of disconnection between thoughts, identity, consciousness, and memory.

Hypnotic Pain Relief

A method of reducing pain through hypnosis, leveraging the mind's ability to alter perception of pain through focused concentration and suggestion.