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Critical phase shifts slow down circadian clock recovery: Implications for jet lag
Important timing changes slow down the body’s internal clock reset: possible effects on jet lag
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Abstract
A sharp threshold exists that separates orthodromic from antidromic re-entrainment of the circadian clock.
- Circadian clock recovery after phase shifts of the light-dark cycle can occur in two ways: moving in the same direction (orthodromic) or the opposite direction (antidromic).
- Resynchronization of the clock significantly slows down near the threshold between orthodromic and antidromic re-entrainment.
- Factors such as the clock's autonomous period, phase shift direction and magnitude, biochemical parameters, and light intensity influence the type of re-entrainment and recovery time.
- Breaking a large phase shift into smaller shifts may reduce the negative impact on circadian clock recovery.
- Predictions suggest that increased recovery times near the threshold could contribute to severe disturbances, such as those experienced during jet lag.
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