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The Development of Circadian Rhythms in Human Infants

The Development of Circadian Rhythms in Human Infants

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<strong>The</strong> function <strong>of</strong> sleep <strong>in</strong> development deserves further consideration <strong>in</strong> future studies.<br />

Salzarulo and Fagioli (Salzarulo & Fagioli, 1995) went some way <strong>in</strong> exam<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g the<br />

function <strong>of</strong> sleep itself <strong>in</strong> early development. <strong>The</strong>y considered the ontogenetic<br />

hypothesis that the high percentages <strong>of</strong> REM (active sleep) seen early on (see<br />

<strong>in</strong>troduction section 1.8.3) is necessary to stimulate the develop<strong>in</strong>g bra<strong>in</strong> and promote<br />

maturation <strong>of</strong> the early central nervous system. Other researchers have advised a<br />

more cautious <strong>in</strong>terpretation <strong>of</strong> the role <strong>of</strong> sleep <strong>in</strong> development (Mirmiran &<br />

Someran, 1993).<br />

219

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