The endogenous, cyclical secretion pattern of key neurotransmitters and neuromodulators within the central nervous system, which is precisely regulated by the circadian clock. This rhythmic release dictates daily fluctuations in mood, alertness, cognitive capacity, and sleep propensity. A healthy rhythm is essential for mental clarity and emotional stability.
Origin
This concept is a core tenet of neuroendocrinology and chronopharmacology, acknowledging that the efficacy and side effects of interventions are temporally dependent. It is the neurobiological counterpart to the hormonal diurnal variation observed in the endocrine system. The study of this rhythm informs the optimal timing for psychotropic and cognitive-enhancing compounds.
Mechanism
The suprachiasmatic nucleus orchestrates this rhythm by influencing the synthesis and release machinery of various brain regions. For example, serotonin precursors and dopamine levels exhibit daily variations, which in turn modulate the rhythmic production of melatonin at night and the maintenance of wakefulness during the day, ensuring alignment with the external light-dark cycle. Disruptions to this rhythm can contribute to mood disorders and sleep disturbances.
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