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Physical Exercise and Circadian Rhythm in Humans

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Sleep and Clocks in Aging and Longevity

Part of the book series: Healthy Ageing and Longevity ((HAL,volume 18))

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Abstract

Although bright light acts as a primary synchronizer (zeitgeber) for the circadian clock in mammals, physical exercise can also act as a potent nonphotic zeitgeber for the circadian clock system. Based on the effect of physical exercise on the circadian rhythms, the role of exercise as a nonphotic zeitgeber for the circadian clock system also differs between rodents and humans. Therefore, this chapter introduces the fundamental and unique properties of the human circadian rhythm and the underlying mechanism that exercise as a potential nonphotic zeitgeber uses to adjust the circadian rhythm in humans.

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Acknowledgments

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan and JSPS KAKENHI Grants 19H03993.

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Correspondence to Yujiro Yamanaka .

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Yamanaka, Y. (2023). Physical Exercise and Circadian Rhythm in Humans. In: Jagota, A. (eds) Sleep and Clocks in Aging and Longevity. Healthy Ageing and Longevity, vol 18. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-22468-3_19

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