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Circadian
Biology:
A growing number
of "clock genes" have been identified since 1996 that
play a critical role in mammalian circadian timing. In addition,
there is clear evidence that non- suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)
tissues have clock genes and can demonstrate circadian
rhythms. Thus, circadian modulation is now established to occur
both centrally and peripherally, further emphasizing the importance
of circadian chronobiology in the timing of sleep and waking
as well as a wide variety of physiologic functions. Now these
genetic studies are also being applied to humans, in particular
patients with advanced sleep phase syndrome. |
