Biological rhythms

Rhythm underlies most of the processes by which man is surrounded. There are rhythms of: gravity, electromagnetic fields, light waves, air pressure, and sound. The rotation and revolution of the earth and the revolution of the moon lead to rhythms such as alternation of light and darkness, tides and seasons. Plants, animals and man respond to these various rhythms by rhythmic alterations in behaviour. Individuals fluctuate in energy, mood, well-being, and performance each day. There are longer, more subtle behavioural alterations each week, month, season and year.

Study of such biological rhythms provides new understanding of many aspects of human variability in: symptoms of illness, stress, (psychosomatic and emotional disease), sense of time and timing, learning, response to medical treatment (including drug toxicity), and job performance. It is suggested that there may be in a man a "combination lock" to his activity and rest, his moods, his illnesses, and his productiveness. By cultivating his understanding and awareness of these rhythms, he may learn to utilize his subjective sense of time.