All living systems involve rhythms and cycles ranging from brain waves running at many cycles per second to yearly rhythms in reproduction and migration. Similar to our artificial devices, computers, cars, planes, etc., it is critical for humans that our biological activities are timed appropriately, that everything is kept ‘in tune’. A major element of this tuning process is daily or circadian rhythms which help to keep everything organized in time. However, artificial lighting can disrupt these circadian cycles, leading to a loss of sleep and increased risk of disease. In addition, the clock or pacemaker that controls circadian rhythms begins to deteriorate as we age, making it even more difficult to keep the body running smoothly. In this course, we will discuss the nature of circadian rhythms, examine how light – both natural and artificial – affects those rhythms and investigate practical methods by which individuals can enhance their circadian timing and potentially improve sleep, well-being and health.

About the Instructor: Dr. Donald L. McEachron

Dr. Donald McEachron serves as a teaching professor and as the coordinator for academic assessment and quality improvement for the School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems at Drexel University. He holds a B.A. in Behavioral Genetics from the University of California at Berkeley, a M.S. in Information Science at Drexel, and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of California at San Diego. His primary biomedical research has focused on chronobiology, biological rhythms and human performance engineering. His most recent book is Chronobioengineering: An Introduction to Biological Rhythms with Applications, Volume 1.