Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
Prog Brain Res. 2011;190:3-20. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-444-53817-8.00001-3.
Circadian rhythms in physiology and behavior exist in all living organisms, from cells to humans. The most evident rhythms are the recurrent cycles of sleep and wake as well as changes in alertness and cognitive performance across the 24h. Clearly, sleep pressure can exert a strong influence on cognitive performance, but the influence of circadian modulation of alertness and cognitive function is evident even when the pressure for sleep is high. Circadian rhythms also influence more complex cognitive tasks, such as selective attention and executive function, which are important for work performance and safety. The circadian timekeeping system also ensures that circadian rhythms are appropriately synchronized to the external physical environment and work and social schedules. Circadian misalignment is the basis for all circadian rhythm sleep disorders. These disorders are often associated with impairments of cognitive performance that can have adverse effects on school and work performance, overall quality of life, and safety.
生理和行为中的昼夜节律存在于所有生物体中，从细胞到人类。最明显的节律是睡眠和觉醒的反复循环，以及 24 小时内警觉性和认知表现的变化。显然，睡眠压力会对认知表现产生强烈影响，但即使在睡眠压力高的情况下，警觉性和认知功能的昼夜调节的影响也是明显的。昼夜节律也会影响更复杂的认知任务，例如选择性注意和执行功能，这些任务对工作表现和安全很重要。生物钟系统还确保昼夜节律与外部物理环境以及工作和社会时间表相适应。昼夜节律失调是所有昼夜节律睡眠障碍的基础。这些障碍通常与认知表现受损有关，会对学习和工作表现、整体生活质量和安全产生不利影响。
