Handbook of Behavioral Neurobiology

"This volume provides a comprehensive overview of the Circadian Clocks that regulate 24-hour diurnal rhythms in living organisms as diverse as bacteria, fruit flies, mice, and humans. The general properties of circadian rhythms regulated by these clocks and their relevance to physiology and behavior are discussed, as are the neural and endocrine processes that are involved in the generation, synchronization, and expression of these rhythms. The nature of the circadian clocks is described at the molecular, cellular, tissue, and system levels of organization in diverse organisms. The central role of the circadian clock in the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle as well as seasonal rhythms and other cyclical processes is also discussed. The importance of the circadian clock system for human health, safety, performance, and productivity is also reviewed in this volume."--BOOK JACKET.