Here’s What You Need to Know About Circadian vs Infradian Rhythms!
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Nicole Avena

Ever noticed your energy peaking at certain times of the day and flagging at others?

Or perhaps you experience monthly ebbs and flows in mood or motivation?

These patterns aren’t just coincidences, they’re created by powerful, biological rhythms that govern much of your existence.

Keep reading to learn how circadian and infradian cycles can influence everything from sleep patterns to hormonal changes, and discover practical tips for how to sync your lifestyle with nature’s beat.

What Are Circadian and Infradian Rhythms?

Among the intricate patterns of life are two distinct cycles: circadian and infradian. While the former pertains to your daily activities, the latter takes place over longer periods, often shaping the experiences that help define your life. Understanding how these biological cycles function can unlock insights about your health, mood, and productivity.

Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, here’s how circadian and infradian rhythms can affect your body’s unique tempo…

Circadian vs Infradian Rhythms

Circadian and infradian rhythms can have different effects on your biological clock.

While both types of rhythms are crucial for maintaining health, they interact uniquely with your lifestyle. Disruptions to circadian rhythms can lead to fatigue or sleep issues, while disturbances in infradian cycles may have an impact on reproductive health.

Being aware of these nuances may help provide insights into how your biological function can vary over different timeframes, highlighting the importance of mindfully syncing with each rhythm.

Impact of Different Rhythms on Animal Behaviors

Did you know that the natural world also runs on circadian and infradian cycles? Animal behavior exhibits these differences in biological rhythms; nocturnal creatures thrive at night while diurnal ones bask in sunlight during the day.

Also, some species migrate or breed based on seasonal cues that align with their internal clocks. Observing how these cycles can impact animal behavior should serve as a poignant reminder that we’re all part of a larger biological tapestry.

Impact of Different Rhythms on Personal Experiences

Circadian and infradian rhythms can affect humans in a variety of ways. For some, the morning sun acts as a natural alarm clock, signaling the start of a productive day. Others may struggle to wake up without an alarm clock blaring in their ear.

Some individuals may notice shifts in sleep patterns during specific seasons. Longer days may energize them, while darker months may lead to feelings of fatigue.

Each person’s journey through these rhythms is unique, forming an intricate balance that can impact daily choices and overall well-being.

Here’s the Latest Research on Circadian vs Infradian Rhythms

Some exciting research on circadian and infradian rhythms has emerged in recent years. One study explored how the types of biological rhythms can interact with each other. This includes three different time scales: circadian (24-hour cycle), ultradian (less than 24 hours), and infradian (more than 24 hours).¹ The study also explored how the interaction between the different cycles may offer evolutionary advantages for species exposed to changing climatic conditions or different geographic locations.

Another study evaluated the ways circadian and infradian rhythms may influence mental aging and the perception of time.² Less conventional is a study that looked at the influence of circadian and infradian rhythms on a specific type of fainting (vasovagal syncope) in young to middle-aged adults.³

As seen from these examples, research on circadian and infradian rhythms is ongoing and underscores the many ways our daily lives may be impacted by these cycles.

Find Your Rhythm

Circadian and infradian rhythms serve a unique purpose and can have a profound impact on your health and well-being. Circadian rhythms can keep you aligned with the day-night cycle, while infradian rhythms help establish longer patterns that can shape your physical and emotional experiences.

Achieving the proper balance with these cycles can help support productivity, mood, and overall health. It also can encourage better self-awareness and empower you to make informed choices about rest, activity levels, and even nutrition aligned with your body’s needs.

Personalizing your routine based on these biological cycles can help create harmony in your daily life. So, embrace your unique rhythms today.

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These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to substitute for medical or healthcare advice from a physician, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning a new health regimen.

1. Coomans, C. P., et al. The Times of Our Lives: Interaction Among Different Biological Periodicities. Frontiers in Neuroscience. 2015. DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00422​
2. Chronomics, human time estimation, and aging Halberg, et al Clin Interv Aging 2008; 3(4): 749-60 doi: 10.2147/cia.s4194
3. Zoghi, et al. Circadian and infradian rhythms of vasovagal syncope in young and middle-aged subjects Pacing Clin Electrophysiol 2008 Dec;31(12): 1

Meet the Author

Keith Rowe, Writer

Keith has been a member of the BrainMD team for several years, providing his research and writing talents. Keith is grateful to have the opportunity to write about supplements since many of them have made a dramatic difference in his life. He is often heard around the office saying, “We have supplements for that.”