Physiology
Circadian Rhythm
Internal biological cycles with approximately 24-hour periods that regulate sleep, metabolism, hormone release, and many other functions. The body's internal clock.
Biological Context
Circadian rhythms are endogenous—they persist even without environmental cues—but are normally synchronized (entrained) to light-dark cycles. The suprachiasmatic nucleus in the brain serves as the master clock. Disruption causes jet lag, metabolic problems, and increased disease risk.
Business Application
Organizations have rhythms too: quarterly planning, annual reviews, daily standups. Aligning work to natural rhythms improves performance; fighting them causes organizational jet lag.