sleep-wake cycle

American  

[sleep-weyk] / ˈslipˈweɪk /

noun

1. Physiology. the species-specific biological pattern of alternating sleep and wakefulness, in humans roughly 8 hours of nocturnal sleep and 16 hours of daytime activity.

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Example Sentences

Together, they coordinate hormone activity across the sleep-wake cycle.

From Science Daily • Mar. 30, 2026

Researchers believe magnesium may reduce cortisol, a stress hormone; increase melatonin, a hormone that promotes the sleep-wake cycle; and help regulate neurotransmitters for the central nervous system, per Medical News Today.

From Salon • Feb. 20, 2024

Lastly, melatonin is involved in biological rhythms, particularly circadian rhythms such as the sleep-wake cycle and eating habits.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

"Carbohydrates can raise your blood sugar, which has a therapeutic sleeping effect. Tryptophan is the amino acid that leads to serotonin production. Serotonin can be converted into more melatonin, which promotes a healthy sleep-wake cycle."

From Fox News • Feb. 27, 2022

Even though they don't sleep, many plants have "clock genes" similar to those that direct the sleep-wake cycle in animals.

From Washington Post • Aug. 5, 2016