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Updated: Oct 23, 2025
10:16
Human Circadian Phenotyping and Diurnal Performance Testing in the Real World
Published on: April 7, 2020
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Demographic characteristics associated with circadian rest-activity rhythm patterns: a cross-sectional study
Jingen Li1,2, Virend K Somers2, Francisco Lopez-Jimenez2
1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, China.
Summary
Rest-activity rhythm (RAR) patterns differ significantly across age, sex, and race/ethnicity in US adults. These demographic variations in circadian rhythms may influence health disparities.
Area of Science:
- Chronobiology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Rest-activity rhythm (RAR), a key circadian rhythm indicator, is linked to health and mortality.
- Limited data exists on RAR patterns in the general population and demographic influences.
- Understanding these variations is crucial for public health insights.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe RAR patterns in non-institutionalized US adults.
- To analyze variations in RAR based on age, sex, and race/ethnicity.
- To utilize accelerometry data from a nationally representative sample.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of NHANES 2011-2014 data.
- Inclusion of adults (≥20 years) with ≥4 valid 24-h accelerometer recordings.
- Assessment of 24-h RAR metrics (cosinor and nonparametric methods) and multivariable regression for demographic associations.
Main Results:
- Women exhibited more robust, stable, and less fragmented RAR than men.
- Older adults (≥60 years) showed reduced amplitude but more stable RAR with earlier acrophase compared to younger adults.
- Hispanics displayed the most stable and least fragmented RAR, while non-Hispanic Blacks had the lowest amplitude and stability.
Conclusions:
- Significant variations in RAR patterns exist by sex, age, and race/ethnicity in US adults.
- These demographic differences may stem from variations in intrinsic circadian rhythms.
- Findings have implications for understanding and addressing health disparities related to circadian rhythm disruptions.
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