Influence of ultradian cortisol dynamics on the sleep-wake cycle
Elena S. Litvinenko, Ksenia O. Merkulova, Dmitry E. Postnov Saratov State University, Saratov, Russia
Abstract
On the one hand, the level of cortisol responds to each meal, accompanied by the release of insulin, and on the other hand, daily changes in cortisol follow the circadian rhythm. As a result, the diet turns out to be a hidden factor influencing the ultradian rhythms of cortisol secretion, and hence the characteristics (mean value, variability) of the sleep-wake cycle. We study the main patterns of this influence using a mathematical model, which includes both the two-process model of generation of the sleep-wake cycle previously proposed by other research groups, and a subsystem that describes the autoregulation of cortisol production depending on a number of factors. Our study focuses on the specific question of the extent to which the interval between meals (while maintaining the overall 24-hour frequency) can affect the duration of sleep. The results obtained testify in favor of the fact that not only the fact of rhythm, but also the specific hours of eating can affect the quality of sleep.
Speaker
Elena S. Litvinenko
Saratov State University
Russia
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