Abstract
The circadian rhythmicity of endogenous metabolic and hormonal processes is controlled by a complex system of central and peripheral pacemakers, influenced by exogenous factors like light/dark-cycles, nutrition and exercise timing. There is evidence that alterations in this system may be involved in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases. It has been shown that disruptions to normal diurnal rhythms lead to drastic changes in circadian processes, as often seen in modern society due to excessive exposure to unnatural light sources. Out of that, research has focused on time-restricted feeding and exercise, as both seem to be able to reset disruptions in circadian pacemakers. Based on these results and personal physical goals, optimal time periods for food intake and exercise have been identified. This review shows that appropriate nutrition and exercise timing are powerful tools to support, rather than not disturb, the circadian rhythm and potentially contribute to the prevention of metabolic diseases. Nevertheless, both lifestyle interventions are unable to address the real issue: the misalignment of our biological with our social time.
Highlights
Metabolic processes in the human sleep/wake and feeding/fasting cycle are influenced by a complex network of circadian pacemakers. They are synchronized by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) [21,22], which is located at the base of the hypothalamus, functioning as a central clock, and several peripheral tissue-specific clocks
The rhythmicity, which is sculpted by a central transcription-translation autoregulatory feedback loop [23], roughly reflects the 24 h daily rhythm [24]
The blood glucose-lowering effect is observed with the implementation of exercise, here the blood glucose-regulation runs through the peripheral insulin-independent expression of glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) in muscle cells [188,189]
Summary
Humans are responsive to a multitude of metabolic and hormonal “background”. Processes dictating daily life [1]. From the days of the Stone Age until the 21st century, humans have submitted to the fundamental daily light/dark cycle on Earth, which is the foundation of our wake/sleep cycle called the circadian rhythm [2]. This highly complex cycle has a major influence on our metabolic and hormonal health [3,4]. Throughout human evolution, wake/sleep cycles have influenced our lives as much as our dietary intake
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