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Developing circadian rhythmicity. Basic and clinical aspects
1Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
Insights
The circadian timing system influences human behavior and physiology from fetal development. Understanding its maturation and disorders is crucial for clinical care, with treatments like light therapy available.
Area of Science:
- Chronobiology
- Developmental Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- The circadian timing system is a fundamental regulator of human behavior and physiology.
- Circadian clock function initiates during fetal development and matures postnatally.
- Photic regulation of circadian phase is evident at birth in primates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the development and clinical relevance of the circadian timing system.
- To highlight recognized circadian system disorders and their treatments.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature on circadian biology and development.
- Synthesis of evidence regarding circadian system maturation and its impact on physiology.
- Identification of current therapeutic interventions for circadian rhythm disorders.
Main Results:
- Circadian system development begins in utero, with progressive maturation of day-night rhythms in activity and hormone secretion between 1-3 months postnatally.
- Recognized circadian disorders include clock disorders and issues with circadian phase entrainment.
- Effective treatments such as light therapy and melatonin are available.
Conclusions:
- The circadian timing system plays a critical role throughout human development.
- Clinical recognition and management of circadian system disorders are advancing.
- Circadian biology is expected to become increasingly integral to clinical practice.
Abstract:
Increasing evidence indicates that the circadian timing system is a fundamental hemostatic system that potently influences human behavior and physiology throughout development. Circadian clock function begins during fetal life, and photic regulation of circadian phase is present at birth in primates. After birth, there is progressive maturation of the circadian system, with day-night rhythms in activity and hormone secretion developing between 1 and 3 months of age. Several disorders of the circadian system are now recognized and include clock disorders and problems related to inadequate entrainment of circadian phase. Treatments for several circadian system disorders are now available and include light therapy and melatonin. With the continued elucidation of circadian system development and influences on human physiology and illness, it is anticipated that consideration of circadian biology will become an increasingly important component of clinical care.