| How to measure the circadian rhythm in human being? |
| Seockhoon Chung |
| Department of Psychiatry, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Ulsan, Korea |
| Corresponding Author:
Seockhoon Chung ,Tel: +82-2-3010-3411, Fax: +82-2-485-8381, Email: schung@amc.seoul.kr |
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Received: December 6, 2009 Accepted: December 22, 2009 Published online: December 31, 2009 |
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| ABSTRACT |
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Human behaviors are affected by light-dark cycle. The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the anterior hypothalamus generates endogenous 24-hour rhythm, which is mentioned as circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythm in human being can be assessed by measuring the circadian rhythmic profile in serum level of melatonin or cortisol, or core body temperature. In addition, rating scales such as Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) or Composite Scale also are useful to assess the sleep/wake cycle or circadian patterns of human. Actigraphy, a portable device that records movement, can be used to measure the sleep/wake cycle or circadian patterns objectively over extended periods of time. In this review, the methods to measure the circadian rhythm are focused on. |
| Keywords:
Circadian rhythms | Sleep-wake cycle | Chronobiology |
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