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Zeitgeber Signal Processing

Meaning

Zeitgeber Signal Processing is the neurophysiological mechanism by which the body’s central biological clock, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), receives, interprets, and utilizes external environmental cues to synchronize the internal circadian rhythm with the 24-hour day-night cycle. The most powerful zeitgeber, or “time-giver,” is light, but others include meal timing, exercise, and social interaction. Effective processing of these signals is essential for maintaining hormonal and metabolic homeostasis, as misaligned rhythms are linked to increased risk for chronic diseases.