When people are shut off from the world, such that they cannot tell what time it is by light or dark for several days, their sleep-waking cycles will most likely
A) stay exactly as it was since this cycle is innate and cannot be modified.
B) shorten to an average of about 20 hours.
C) lengthen to more than 24 hours.
D) become completely disrupted and erratic.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When people are shut off from the world, their sleep-waking cycles will typically lengthen to more than 24 hours due to the absence of external cues such as light and darkness to regulate their internal biological rhythm. This phenomenon is known as free-running or non-entrained circadian rhythm. Studies have shown that without external time cues, the body tends to follow a cycle that exceeds 24 hours, with participants staying awake and sleeping later each day.

When People Are Shut Off from the World, Such That