Ologies with Alie Ward Chronobiology (CIRCADIAN RHYTHMS) with Katherine Hatcher
Dec 10, 2019
Katherine Hatcher, a PhD candidate and chronobiologist at the University of Illinois, shares her expertise on circadian rhythms and sleep cycles. She reveals the effects of light exposure on sleep quality and how modern lifestyles disrupt our natural rhythms. Katherine dives into the unique sleeping habits of animals and the impact of shift work on health. She provides insights into managing sleep hygiene and emphasizes the importance of establishing consistent routines for better well-being, encouraging listeners to embrace the power of good sleep.
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Chronobiology and Circadian Rhythms
- Chronobiology studies how temporal rhythms (daily, weekly, seasonal) affect life.
- Circadian rhythms, specifically, focus on daily patterns, impacting sleep and other bodily functions.
Katherine's Path to Neuroscience
- Katherine Hatcher initially disliked science but became fascinated by brains after dissecting a fetal pig.
- This sparked her interest in neuroscience, leading her to a PhD program.
Defining Circadian Rhythms
- Circadian rhythms are 24-hour patterns of biological processes, like sleep-wake cycles.
- These patterns are internally driven, but are influenced by external factors like light and food availability.