Psychology 1000 Lecture Notes - Lecture 17: Circadian Rhythm, Optic Chiasm, Jet Lag

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 1000
• Professor: Michael Atkinson

Document Summary

Daily cycles: blood pressure, body temperature, chemical concentrations. Peak levels in late afternoon (best time for physical tasks) All controlled by the suprachiasmatic nucleus: located above optic chiasma. Daylight stimulates the scn, which inhibits production of melatonin in pineal gland: photosensitive ganglion cells (3%, melanopsin sensitive to blue light. Darkness removes the inhibition, resulting in more melatonin making us feel tired. November 10th, 2016: hydrate on plane, avoid alcohol, get up and stretch, light meals, expose self to sunlight upon arrival. Awareness of the relationship between self and the external world. Preconscious level: info not currently available, but could be. What does your parents" house look like: tip-of-the-tongue. Subconscious level: info not accessible, but , may leak out from time to time. During sleep your body begins to shut down: heart rate drops, respiration is lowered, minimum of muscle activity, temperature drops.