Infradian rhythm

In chronobiology, an infradian rhythm is a rhythm with a period longer than the period of a circadian rhythm, i.e. with a frequency less than one cycle in 28 hours, such as menstruation, breeding, tidal or seasonal rhythms. In contrast, ultradian rhythms have periods shorter than the period of a circadian rhythm. Several infradian rhythms are known to be caused by hormone stimulation or exogenous factors. For example, seasonal depression, an example of an infradian rhythm occurring once a year, can be caused by the systematic lowering of light levels during the winter. In chronobiology, an infradian rhythm is a rhythm with a period longer than the period of a circadian rhythm, i.e. with a frequency less than one cycle in 28 hours, such as menstruation, breeding, tidal or seasonal rhythms. In contrast, ultradian rhythms have periods shorter than the period of a circadian rhythm. Several infradian rhythms are known to be caused by hormone stimulation or exogenous factors. For example, seasonal depression, an example of an infradian rhythm occurring once a year, can be caused by the systematic lowering of light levels during the winter.