Journal of Physiological
Anthropology today published the
first installment of its thematic series entitled Sleep
and Circadian Rhythms. With a preface
provided by guest Editor and Editorial
Board Member, Professor Shigekazu Higuchi, Department of Human Science, Kyushu University, Japan.

The article by Waterhouse et al., Daily rhythms
of the sleep-wake cycle reviews the architecture
of sleep. One successful sleep model identifies two phases,
namely S, a value determined by the length of time awake, and C, a daily
rhythm. The variations in these phases between the elderly, poor sleepers and
during adolescence are examined in this article.

Investigation of the causes of sleep
issues is very burdensome on the patient, requiring stays in laboratory
environments and intensive monitoring.
The review by Hida et al. investigates
the pathophysiology
and pathogenesis of circadian rhythm sleep disorders (CRSDs), with an aim of identifying less invasive methods to establish a patients circadian
phenotype. 

Everyone can appreciate the difficulties
experienced at work following a bad night’s sleep, the review by Takahashi, Prioritizing
sleep for healthy work schedules, focuses on the timing of sleep in relation to work. Of
particular note is the suggested benefits of regular naps during the working day
and the maintenance of a work-sleep balance in much the same way as a
work-life balance.

Readers are invited to join the discussions by using the ‘comment’ option below each individual article and
encouraged to register to stay
up
to date with JPA and the publication
of the second installment of the series coming soon!