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Body Rhythms and Work Schedules

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Engineering Physiology

Abstract

The human body follows a regular rhythm of physiological functions throughout the 24-h day. During waking hours, the body is prepared for physical work; at night, sleep is normal. Attitudes and behavior also change regularly during the day. The circadian rhythms can be upset by an imposing new set of time signals and activity–rest regimen, such as those associated with shift work schedules. Shift work should be arranged to least perturb the natural physiological, psychological, and behavioral rhythms. Disturbing the natural circadian rhythms can have negative health and social effects and cause reductions in work performance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. 3624 Laurel Drive, 24060-8562, Blacksburg, VA, Virginia, USA

    Karl H.E. Kroemer & Hiltrud J. Kroemer

  2. 133 St. Paul Street, 07090-2144, Westfield, NJ, USA

    Katrin E. Kroemer-Elbert

Authors
  1. Karl H.E. Kroemer
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  2. Hiltrud J. Kroemer
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  3. Katrin E. Kroemer-Elbert
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Correspondence to Karl H.E. Kroemer .

Glossary

Circadian rhythm

Regular oscillations in body functions which repeat after about 24 hours. This daily rhythm is endogenously

GlossarySeeAlso(see there) generated and modulated by 24 h environmental repetitions, especially by light and darkness related to the earth’s rotation. (From the Latin circa, about, and dies, the day; see also GlossarySeeAlsodiurnal rhythms).
Desynchronization

Loss off synchronization

GlossarySeeAlso(see there) within an organism between a rhythm and its zeitgeber (see there), or between two rhythms.
Diurnal rhythm

Regular oscillations in body functions during the day time (from the Latin diurnus, of the day;

GlossarySeeAlsosee also circadian rhythm).
Endogenous

Originating inside an organism or system.

Entrain

To synchronize a self-sustaining oscillation or oscillator.

Ergonomics

The application of scientific principles, methods and data drawn from a variety of disciplines to the design of engineered systems in which people play significant roles.

Exogenous

Originating outside an organism or system.

Freerun

The state of a self-sustaining oscillation in the absence of effective zeitgeber

GlossarySeeAlso(see there) or other environmental events that may affect the period of the oscillation.
Infradian rhythm

Regular oscillations in body functions with a frequency lower than circadian; that is, they repeat after more than 24 h.

Masking

Disruption in the appearance of an overt rhythm caused by an external event without a direct effect on the period or phase of a pacemaker

GlossarySeeAlso(see there).
Pacemaker

An entity capable of generating an endogenous rhythm and of imposing this rhythm on one or more other entities.

Running free

Being in the state of a self-sustaining oscillation in the absence of effective zeitgeber

GlossarySeeAlso(see there) or other environmental events that may affect the period of the oscillation.
Self-sustaining oscillation

An oscillation, caused by a pacemaker

GlossarySeeAlso(see there), which continues without external support.
Synchronization

The action of causing two or more processes to start at the same time and/or to proceed at the same rate.

Ultradian rhythm

Regular oscillations in body functions with a frequency higher than circadian; that is, they repeat after less than 24 h.

Zeitgeber

A time setter; agent or stimulus capable of resetting a pacemaker

GlossarySeeAlso(see there) or synchronizing a self-sustaining oscillation (see there). (From the German Zeit, time; and Geber, giver).

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Kroemer, K.H., Kroemer, H.J., Kroemer-Elbert, K.E. (2010). Body Rhythms and Work Schedules. In: Engineering Physiology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-12883-7_10

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-12883-7_10

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  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-12882-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-12883-7

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