Circadian system modeling and phase control

Circadian rhythms are biological processes found in all living organisms, from plants to insects to mammals that repeat with a period close to, but not exactly, 24 hours. In the absence of environmental cues, circadian rhythms oscillate with a period slightly longer or shorter than 24 hours. The 24hour patterns of light and dark are the strongest synchronizer of circadian rhythms to the solar day. Circadian disruption resulting from lack of synchrony between the solar day and the internal master clock that regulates and generates circadian rhythms had been linked to a variety of maladies. Circadian disruption, as experienced by night shift workers or by those traveling multiple time zones can lead to lower productivity, digestive problems and decreased sleep efficiency. Long-term circadian disruption has been linked to serious health problems, such as increased risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity. Biochemical and empirical mathematical models describing the cir...

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2010
• Where: CDC
• Authors: Jiaxiang Zhang, Andrew Bierman, John T. Wen, Agung Julius, Mariana Figueiro
• Keywords: CDC 2010, Circadian, Circadian Disruption, Circadian Rhythms, Control Systems