Integral Analysis of Circadian Rhythms

Abstract

Our biological processes do not present a static and steady picture. Instead, most of these processes oscillate throughout the 24-h day. The system that controls this circadian rhythmicity is composed of a central pacemaker and peripheral oscillators that rely on inputs and produce outputs that can be measured through appropriate techniques. The correct measurement and analysis of the func-tioning of each part of the circadian system are becoming essential in many fields of biomedicine. In this chapter, we will cover the entire process, from the acquisition of circadian data to their analyses through parametric and non-parametric methods, including the dynamic modeling of different circadian processes.