The inherent, predictable, and rhythmic fluctuations in physiological and biochemical processes within the human organism, encompassing cycles that range from ultradian (hourly) to circadian (daily) and infradian (longer than a day), such as the menstrual cycle. These cycles regulate everything from hormone levels to metabolic rate and cognitive function. Optimal cycling is synonymous with peak health and longevity.
Origin
This broad concept draws from the established scientific discipline of chronobiology, which studies the innate biological clocks that govern life processes across all organisms. The term emphasizes the non-linear, cyclical nature of human health and performance, moving beyond a static, homeostatic view of physiology.
Mechanism
The cycling is primarily orchestrated by the master circadian clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and peripheral oscillators, which synchronize various cellular and systemic functions through rhythmic gene expression and autonomic nervous system output. This temporal organization ensures that physiological demands, such as repair, energy expenditure, and immune surveillance, are appropriately scheduled for maximal biological efficiency.
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