Circadian Rhythm and Sleep, Lifestyle and Health

Dear Colleagues,

With sleep being recognized as the fourth major lifestyle factor driving chronic disease risk, besides body weight, physical activity, and smoking, and considering that sleep problems that have likely only increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a need to further explore the potential of sleep and the circadian system in healthy longevity and disease prevention. Great strides have been made over recent decades in deciphering the physiology and pathophysiology of sleep and the circadian system, including its molecular markers and genetic underpinning. However, more is still to be learned about the individual risk of disease among night shift workers, and the population at large, who are increasingly exposed to light at night and circadian and sleep disruption. This high prevalence of circadian disturbances and their consequences is characterized by advanced research methods. These include prospective longitudinal designs, case–control studies, randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses and systematic reviews, innovative technologies (such as actigraphy and the use of wearables, exposome assessments, the application of omics, and other circadian biomarker assessments such as melatonin or cortisol), and the application of these methods and technologies in “special needs” groups, including clinical populations (including chronotherapy), deprived communities, children, and older people. Papers addressing these topics are invited for this Special Issue, especially those employing a high academic standard to fill gaps in our current understanding of the circadian system and health.

Prof. Dr. Eva S. Schernhammer
Dr. Kyriaki Papantoniou
Dr. Susanne Strohmaier
Guest Editors

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