Biorhythm

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Biorhythm

Biorhythm (pronounced: /ˈbaɪoʊˌrɪðəm/) is a hypothetical cyclic pattern of physiological states in an organism or in the human body, believed to have been innate and to affect physical and mental states.

Etymology

The term "biorhythm" is derived from the Greek words "bios" meaning "life" and "rhythmos" meaning "any regular recurring motion, rhythm".

Definition

A biorhythm is a theoretical cyclic pattern of alterations in physiology, emotions, and/or intellect. They are supposed to synchronize with physical, emotional, and intellectual cycles in humans. Biorhythm theories were popular during the 1970s but have since been largely discredited.

Related Terms

  • Circadian rhythm: The 24-hour internal clock that cycles between sleepiness and alertness at regular intervals. It's also known as your sleep/wake cycle.
  • Ultradian rhythm: Biological rhythms with a period shorter than 24 hours, such as the 90-minute REM cycle, the 4-hour nasal cycle, or the 3-hour cycle of growth hormone production.
  • Infradian rhythm: Biological rhythms that last more than 24 hours, such as the menstrual cycle in women.
  • Chronobiology: The field of biology that examines periodic (cyclic) phenomena in living organisms and their adaptation to solar- and lunar-related rhythms.

See Also

External links

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