Zeitgeibers

What is a zeitgeiber???

The word ‘zeitgeiber’ comes from the German language, and means ‘time giver.’ Zeitgeibers are clues in the external world that help keep our internal body clock in sync with the 24 hour day/night rhythm. This word is used a lot in the field of chronobiology.

The most meaningful zeitgeiber is light, as it impacts melatonin, which in turn sets our circadian rhythm. Other zeitgeibers include meal times, exercise times, and social activities. When your zeitgeibers happen at close to the same time each day, you will be more firmly in sync with the 24 day/night rhythm. This can pay off in sleeping well, and being fully alert during the day!

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This entry was posted on July 20, 2010 at 3:56 am and is filed under behavioral treatment, circadian rhythm, Light therapy, melatonin, performance, sleep. You can subscribe via RSS 2.0 feed to this post's comments.

Tags: alertness, circadian rhythm, zeitgeiber

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