BIORHYTHMS IN INFANTS AND ROLE OF THE CARE ENVIRONMENT

All physiologic functions demonstrate cyclic activity. Infant developm ent includes maturation of biorhythms. Two basic changes in biorhythm include establishment of circadian rhythm and day-night pattern. Biorh ythms are driven by internal pacemakers yet are highly susceptible to environmental influences, Sleep-wake pattern and body temperature rhyt hm are two examples of infant biorhythms that demonstrate significant change with development; Biorhythm is the scientific basis for interve ntions (such as cycled lighting, feeding schedule, and caregiving patt ern) aimed at improving the fit between infant and the environment.