The circadian rhythm of body temperature

Abstract

This article reviews the literature on the circadian rhythm of body temperature. It starts with a description of the typical pattern of oscillation under standard laboratory conditions, with consideration being given to intra- and interspecies differences. It then addresses the influence of environmental factors (principally ambient temperature and food availability) and biological factors (including locomotor activity, maturation and aging, body size, and reproductive state). A discussion of the interplay of rhythmicity and homeostasis (including both regulatory and heat-exchange processes) is followed by concluding remarks.