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Chronobiology of Sleep

Meaning

The Chronobiology of Sleep is the scientific study of the biological rhythms that govern the timing, duration, and architecture of the sleep-wake cycle, specifically focusing on the influence of the body’s internal clock. This field examines how the circadian system, primarily regulated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), coordinates the cyclical release of key hormones and neurotransmitters to facilitate the various stages of sleep. Understanding this chronobiology is clinically vital for optimizing restorative sleep, which is inextricably linked to endocrine health, metabolic regulation, and cognitive function. Disruptions to this biological timing can precipitate significant hormonal dysregulation.