You have just returned home after being away on vacation for several weeks. Your body had adjusted to the different time zone you were in, which was eight hours ahead of your local time at home. You slept for 8 hours on the flight back and it is now just a few minutes before midnight local time as you walk in your front door. If you try to lie down to sleep now, it is likely that you will have difficulty because your _____ will be releasing _____ melatonin than it normally would at this time of night.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Your body's internal clock, or circadian rhythm, is regulated by the pineal gland, which releases melatonin in response to darkness. If your body has adjusted to a time zone that is eight hours ahead, it will not be expecting to sleep for several more hours, leading to the release of less melatonin than it would normally at this time of night in your local time zone.

You Have Just Returned Home After Being Away on Vacation