Exploring the Link Between Circadian Rhythms, Longevity, and Wearable Data: Insights and Future Directions
A recent study in NHANES 2011–2014 explores the potential connection between disruptions in circadian rhythms, measured using wearable devices, and their impact on health outcomes and longevity. The study analyzes data from 7,297 U.S. adults collected through wearable accelerometers as a novel digital biomarker for longevity. Five distinct clusters were identified based on activity profiles: "High activity," "Low activity," "Mild circadian rhythm (CR) disruption," "Severe CR disruption," and "Very low activity." The findings reveal that young adults with extreme circadian rhythm disturbance exhibit higher white blood cell counts and accelerated biological aging. Older adults with circadian disruption are associated with increased systemic inflammation indexes, advanced biological aging, and higher all-cause mortality risk. The research underscores the importance of circadian alignment for longevity at all ages and suggests that wearable...