Circadian Health Glossary
Minima
Minima refers to the lowest point or trough in a cycle, often used in the context of circadian rhythms to describe the point of minimum core body temperature or lowest alertness during a 24-hour period. This is a critical marker in understanding the body’s internal clock and its influence on sleep and wakefulness.
When Does Minima Occur?
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Core Body Temperature Minima: Typically occurs during the second half of the night, around 2–4 a.m., when the body is in its deepest state of rest.
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Alertness Minima: Often coincides with the early morning hours but can vary based on an individual’s chronotype or sleep schedule.
Why Is Minima Important?
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Circadian Health: Identifying minima helps optimize sleep timing and overall health by aligning activities with natural biological rhythms.
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Light Therapy: Light exposure before the body’s temperature minima results in a phase delay, while light exposure after the minima leads to a phase advance. Understanding this timing is crucial for effectively using light therapy to shift circadian rhythms, making it a key factor in managing circadian health, jet lag and circadian disorders.
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Performance and Safety: Understanding alertness minima is crucial for scheduling tasks that require high concentration or avoiding critical errors during low-performance times.