AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Ultradian rhythms are your body’s biological cycles that take place within 24 hours, which can include everything from a human heartbeat, to blinking, to digestion. While the more commonly known term “circadian rhythm” occurs over a 24-hour period, ultradian rhythms are shorter and are repeated during that time.

Detailed explanation-2: -Much like cardiac rhythms and brain waves, ultradian rhythms are measurable, observable, quantifiable physiological patterns that your body must maintain in order to operate properly. Ultradian means “many times a day.” Rhythms refers to the regular oscillating (up-and-down) wave patterns these cycles follow.

Detailed explanation-3: -Circadian rhythms are physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow a 24-hour cycle. These natural processes respond primarily to light and dark and affect most living things, including animals, plants, and microbes. Chronobiology is the study of circadian rhythms.

Detailed explanation-4: -In ultradian rhythm, the cycle has a period shorter than a day but longer than an hour. Examples of ultradian rhythms are blood circulation, pulse, heart rate, thermoregulation, blinking, micturition, appetite, arousal, etc. See also: biological rhythm.