sleep-wake cycle

[sleep-weyk]

noun

1. Physiology.,  the species-specific biological pattern of alternating sleep and wakefulness, in humans roughly 8 hours of nocturnal sleep and 16 hours of daytime activity.

Example Sentences

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland that regulates the body's sleep-wake cycle.

Read more on Science Daily

Alcohol also affects circadian rhythms — the 24-hour body clock that responds to environmental light cues in order to synchronize our sleep-wake cycle.

Read more on Salon

So, this carp species does not fall into a fainting state, as it is common in narcolepsy and does not require orexin to regulate their sleep-wake cycle.

Read more on Science Daily

“Daylight exposure synchronizes our internal clock with the external environment, reinforcing our sleep-wake cycle,” he told The Times over email.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Researchers believe magnesium may reduce cortisol, a stress hormone; increase melatonin, a hormone that promotes the sleep-wake cycle; and help regulate neurotransmitters for the central nervous system, per Medical News Today.

Read more on Salon