Endogenous Pacemakers (EP)

Endogenous pacemakers (EP) are theoretical internal 'clocks' that regulate our bodies' biological cycles and rhythms like sleeping and waking patterns. Evidence suggests that EP are important for survival. Research has shown that individuals who are isolated from exogenous zeitgebers (EZ) like light and sunrise/sunset still maintain consistent circadian rhythms like a 24 hour sleep cycle. This is evidence of EP in that the body still maintains cycles without external influences shaping their rhythms. It is believed that the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is an endogenous pacemaker.