What characteristic is associated with a delayed phase shift in circadian rhythm?

What characteristic is associated with a delayed phase shift in circadian rhythm?

• A. Shorter than 24-hour rhythm
• B. Prolonged sleep duration
• C. Longer than 24-hour rhythm
• D. Regular sleep start time

Answer: (C)

The characteristic associated with a delayed phase shift in circadian rhythm is a longer than 24-hour rhythm. This means that the biological clock of the individual is set such that its cycle extends beyond the typical 24-hour period, causing sleep and wake times to shift later than the standard schedule. Individuals with a longer circadian rhythm may find themselves staying up later and waking up later, demonstrating a pattern of delayed sleep. This is often observed in conditions like Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder, where the natural inclination of the body's internal clock does not align with societal expectations of sleep patterns. In contrast, rhythms shorter than 24 hours would typically lead to an advanced phase shift rather than a delayed one, and regular sleep start times indicate a stabilized rhythm rather than a delayed one. Prolonged sleep duration, while it may occur in some individuals, does not specifically indicate a delayed phase shift on its own without considering the timing of sleep.

The characteristic associated with a delayed phase shift in circadian rhythm is a longer than 24-hour rhythm. This means that the biological clock of the individual is set such that its cycle extends beyond the typical 24-hour period, causing sleep and wake times to shift later than the standard schedule.

Individuals with a longer circadian rhythm may find themselves staying up later and waking up later, demonstrating a pattern of delayed sleep. This is often observed in conditions like Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder, where the natural inclination of the body's internal clock does not align with societal expectations of sleep patterns. In contrast, rhythms shorter than 24 hours would typically lead to an advanced phase shift rather than a delayed one, and regular sleep start times indicate a stabilized rhythm rather than a delayed one. Prolonged sleep duration, while it may occur in some individuals, does not specifically indicate a delayed phase shift on its own without considering the timing of sleep.