Perinatal circadian desynchronization disrupts sleep and prefrontal cortex function in adult offspring

Thus, pECD clearly alters sleep behavior and PFC function in male mice. However, female mice appear protected against the effects of pECD. Together, these experiments form the foundation for future studies to understand the lifelong neurobehavioral impact of pECD. Statement of Significance Disruptions to the body's natural circadian rhythms during early development may have lasting consequences for brain function and behavior. This study demonstrates that desynchronizing rhythms during perinatal period has consequences for both sleep quality and cortical function later in adulthood, particularly in males. Male mice exposed to perinatal circadian desynchronization exhibited fragmented sleep and changes in synaptic properties of prefrontal cortex neurons, while female mice appeared resilient. These findings suggest that early life circadian disruptions could contribute to cognitive and behavioral disorders linked to cortical dysfunction, such as mental illness and learning deficits. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial in an era where artificial lighting and shift work disrupt natural sleep cycles, potentially affecting neurodevelopment and lifelong brain health.