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Biology/Biological Clock / Circadian rhythm.

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Expert: - 10/15/2011


Question
Dear Dana

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circadian_rhythm

Most of the Offices,Industries are working in Day Shifts all over the world and maybe 5% working in Night Shifts.

Day Work Timings :
10 am to 6 pm, 9.30 am to 5.30 am, 9.00 am to 5 pm.

Night Shift Work Timings :
10 pm to 6 am, 9.30 pm to 5.30 am, 9.00 pm to 5 am.


Observed that job workers working in Night Shifts tend to feel
sleepy and cannot give 100% work efficiency.

What could be the Biological Factors influencing this ?. Is it because of going against the Biological Clock / Circadian rhythm ?.

Awaiting your inputs & views,

Thanks & Regards,
Prashant S Akerkar

Answer
Dear Prashant,

Yes, you are correct.  Humans have a natural Circadian rhythm, which can be viewed here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Biological_clock_human.svg

As you can see, after midnight we're not much good for anything but sleep.

Dana

Biology

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Volunteer

Dana Krempels, Ph.D.

Expertise

I can answer biology-related questions in the areas of evolution, zoology, botany, genetics, and ecology. But I don't answer homework questions or provide ideas for your science fair projects. So students please do your learning the right way by reading your text assignments and studying!

Experience

At the University of Miami, I teach Evolution and Biodiversity, Botany, Zoology, Genetics, Ecology, and a variety of seminars (e.g., the Biology and Evolution of Human Gender Roles).

Education/Credentials
I have a B.S. in Biology and an A.B. in English from the University of Southern California (1980). I earned my Ph.D. in Biology in the area of evolutionary biology/visual physiology from the University of Miami in 1989.

Past/Present Clients
I am currently an "expert" in both the "Rabbits" and "Wild Animals" categories.

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