The Development of Circadian Rhythms in Human Infants

The links between the central clock, clock inputs, clock outputs, hormones, neuronal
activity, external cues, and physiological systems form a complex web of interactions
feedback loops, and resultant effects on the body. The manner in which these
interplay within the human infant at a time of maximum rate of growth and rapid
development is an important area of investigation. Taking temperature maturity as a
marker of physiological development into account, it may illuminate the transition
from normal intrauterine development and normal foetal programming to healthy
adult physiology versus abnormal intrauterine development and foetal programming
of adult disease. It may also provide a window into the period when „things go
wrong‟ in term of physiology culminating in the ultimate failure of physiology –
death, such as in cot death.
This study has involved investigating „normal‟ physiology in order to enable a better
understanding of the „abnormal.‟
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