Sleep & circadian influences on mood & autonomic nervous system control of the heart

Abstract

Most biological and behavioural processes have a 24-hour oscillation in activity. A critical question is whether this oscillation is a consequence of the sleep-wake cycle or the circadian system (our internal biological clock). This project will investigate circadian influence over two biological systems that have important influences over behaviour, the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) and the Behavioural Facilitation System (BFS). Specifically, we will investigate the relationship between circadian control of the heart and the induction and quality of sleep, and the circadian influence on aspects of personality (neuroticism) and mood (Positive Affect) that are related to the BFS.

Related publications (1)

Nature's Clocks and Human Mood: The Circadian System Modulates Reward Motivation

Greg Murray, Melinda J Carrington, Christian L Nicholas, Jan Kleiman, Robyn Dwyer, Nicholas B Allen, John Trinder

2009-10-01

Existing literature on reward motivation pays scant attention to the fact that reward potential of the environment varies dramatic..