Intermediate
Technical
IVT
sleep-wake cycle
The natural 24-hour pattern of sleep and wakefulness controlled by circadian rhythms and homeostatic sleep drive.
Full Definition
The sleep-wake cycle represents the fundamental biological rhythm that alternates between periods of sleep and wakefulness approximately every 24 hours. This cycle is regulated by the interaction of circadian timing mechanisms in the suprachiasmatic nucleus and homeostatic sleep pressure that accumulates during waking hours. Disruption of the sleep-wake cycle underlies many sleep disorders and can result from shift work, jet lag, or intrinsic circadian rhythm disorders.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate when used as compound modifier.
In Context
- "Shift workers often experience disruption of their natural sleep-wake cycle." — occupational sleep medicine
- "The patient's irregular sleep-wake cycle suggested a possible circadian rhythm disorder." — diagnostic assessment
Also known as
circadian sleep-wake rhythm
sleep-wake pattern
Don't confuse with
sleep architecture
sleep stages