Hagenauer, M. H., & Lee, T. M. (2012). The neuroendocrine control of the circadian system: Adolescent chronotype. Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology, 33(3), 211-229.

Abstract

Scientists, public health and school officials are paying growing attention to the mechanism underlying the delayed sleep patterns common in human adolescents. Data suggest that a propensity towards evening chronotype develops during puberty, and may be caused by developmental alterations in internal daily timekeeping. New support for this theory has emerged from recent studies which show that pubertal changes in chronotype occur in many laboratory species similar to human adolescents. Using these species as models, we find that pubertal changes in chronotype differ by sex, are internally generated, and driven by reproductive hormones. These chronotype changes are accompanied by alterations in the fundamental properties of the circadian timekeeping system, including endogenous rhythm period and sensitivity to environmental time cues. After comparing the developmental progression of chronotype in different species, we propose a theory regarding the ecological relevance of adolescent chronotype, and provide suggestions for improving the sleep of human adolescents.

MeSH Terms
    Adolescent/physiology*
    Adolescent Behavior/physiology
    Animals
    Circadian Rhythm/drug effects
    Circadian Rhythm/physiology*
    Estrous Cycle
    Female
    Gonadal Hormones/physiology
    Humans
    Male
    Mice
    Neurosecretory Systems/physiology*
    Photoperiod
    Puberty
    Rats
    Reproduction/physiology
    Sleep
    Sleep Deprivation/physiopathology
    Social Dominance
    Suprachiasmatic Nucleus/drug effects
    Suprachiasmatic Nucleus/physiology

Substances
    Gonadal Hormones