Circadian Physiology

Roberto Refinetti, PhD, is a physiological psychology professor, circadian physiology researcher, and chair of the department of psychology at Boise State University in Idaho, USA. He is also a member of the graduate faculty of the University of Messina (Italy) and was formerly associated with the University of South Carolina, the University of Virginia, the University of Illinois, the University of São Paulo (Brazil), and the University of California at Santa Barbara, where he earned his doctorate. His research program in circadian physiology, which concentrates on the integration of circadian and homeostatic mechanisms, has been funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. Professor Refinetti is editor-in-chief of the Journal of Circadian Rhythms and of the interdisciplinary journal Sexuality & Culture.

History and Methods. Early Research on Circadian Rhythms. Research Methods in Circadian Physiology. Analysis of Circadian Rhythmicity. Phenomenology. Ultradian and Infradian Rhythms. Daily and Circadian Rhythms. Mechanisms. Endogenous Mechanisms. Photic Environmental Mechanisms. Nonphotic Environmental Mechanisms. Integration of Mechanisms. Homeostasis and Circadian Rhythmicity. Physical Substrates. Receptors. Pacemakers. Afference and Efference. Applications. Optimal Timing on Earth and in Space. Jet Lag and Shift Work. Human Medicine. Pet Selection and Veterinary Medicine. Appendix A: Assessment of Learning. Appendix B: Dictionary of Circadian Physiology. Appendix C: Organisms Used.