title: Biorhythms in infants and role of the care environment.
abstract: All physiologic functions demonstrate cyclic activity. Infant development includes maturation of biorhythms. Two basic changes in biorhythm include establishment of circadian rhythm and day-night pattern. Biorhythms are driven by internal pacemakers yet are highly susceptible to environmental influences. Sleep-wake pattern and body temperature rhythm are two examples of infant biorhythms that demonstrate significant change with development. Biorhythm is the scientific basis for interventions (such as cycled lighting, feeding schedule, and caregiving pattern) aimed at improving the fit between infant and the environment.
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Thomas
mesh_terms: D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D004777:Environment; D006801:Humans; D007224:Infant Care; D007231:Infant, Newborn / Q000502:physiology*; D017283:Neonatal Nursing; D012890:Sleep / Q000502:physiology; D014851:Wakefulness / Q000502:physiology