The circadian cycle: daily rhythms from behaviour to genes

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  • Martha Merrow
    Biologisch Centrum, University of Groningen, PO Box 14 9750AA Haren The Netherlands
  • Kamiel Spoelstra
    Biologisch Centrum, University of Groningen, PO Box 14 9750AA Haren The Netherlands
  • Till Roenneberg
    Institute for Medical Psychology, University of Munich, Goethestrasse 31 80336 Munich Germany

Bibliographic Information

Other Title
  • First in the Cycles Review Series

Description

<jats:p>The daily recurrence of activity and rest are so common as to seem trivial. However, they reflect a ubiquitous temporal programme called the circadian clock. In the absence of either anatomical clock structures or clock genes, the timing of sleep and wakefulness is disrupted. The complex nature of circadian behaviour is evident in the fact that phasing of the cycle during the day varies widely for individuals, resulting in extremes colloquially called ‘larks’ and ‘owls’. These behavioural oscillations are mirrored in the levels of physiology and gene expression. Deciphering the underlying mechanisms will provide important insights into how the circadian clock affects health and disease.</jats:p>

Journal

  • EMBO reports

    EMBO reports 6 (10), 930-935, 2005-10

    Springer Science and Business Media LLC

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