Circadian Rhythm Theory of Health

講演要旨

Circadian rhythms arise from the interplay between endogenous, cell-autonomous circadian clocks, ambient light-dark cycles, and daily behavioral rhythms such as sleep-wake and feeding-fasting. Optimal alignment among these components enhances physiological, physical, and cognitive performance, whereas misalignment contributes to increased risk for chronic and infectious diseases. While the core circadian clock is genetically encoded and not easily altered, its plasticity to environmental cues—such as light exposure, timing of food intake, and activity patterns—offers a powerful, yet underutilized, opportunity to optimize circadian rhythms. Harnessing this plasticity may significantly enhance resilience to disease, accelerate recovery, and enable full rehabilitation following illness or injury.

Just as the Germ Theory of Disease transformed human health by informing prevention and treatment strategies for infections, the emerging Circadian Theory of Health has the potential to extend healthy human lifespan by offering a unifying framework for both personalized and public health interventions.

In this presentation, I will first define what constitutes a health theory and how such frameworks can reshape approaches to improving individual and population health. I will then outline the core principles of the Circadian Theory of Health, highlight the foundational discoveries that support it, and identify the critical knowledge gaps that remain. Finally, I will propose a framework for addressing these gaps to fully realize the potential of circadian biology in advancing human health.