Development of circadian rhythms: Role of postnatal light environment

Mammals are born with an immature circadian system, which completes its development postnatally. Evidence suggests that the environment experienced by a newborn will impact and shape its development, which will have future consequences at the levels of circadian system function, circadian behaviour and physiology, and potentially, the animal's long-term health and welfare. Here we review the various stages in postnatal development of the circadian system, and discuss the data available on the long-term effects of early environment, in particular light environment, on the animal's brain, physiology and behaviour.

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► The mammalian circadian clock undergoes critical developmental changes after birth.
► Postnatal environment exerts key programming effects on the developing clock.
► Early environmental light effects on behaviour are long-lasting.
► Postnatal light-induced changes in circadian behaviour have a brain origin.
► Postnatal light-induced changes may impact the individual's future health.