Developing circadian rhythmicity - Basic and clinical aspects

Circadian rhythms are day-night rhythms that are generated and regulated by a biologic clock located in the anterior hypothalamus. Circadian pacemaker function begins in utero, and developing circadian rhythmicity influences numerous aspects of human behavior and physiology. Over the past two decades, our understanding of circadian timing system physiology and development has increased dramatically. This article is an overview of the basic and clinical aspects of developing circadian rhythmicity in primates.