Exercise and Circadian Rhythm Regulation: Mechanisms, Resilience, and Therapeutic Potential for Neurological Diseases

Circadian rhythms regulate sleep-wake cycles, hormonal secretion, metabolism, and immune responses. Disruption of these rhythms is linked to the onset and progression of various neurological diseases. Emerging evidence suggests that exercise, a non-photic zeitgeber, can modulate circadian function at both central and peripheral levels by regulating core clock gene expression, synchronizing hormonal and metabolic rhythms, and reducing neuroinflammation. Through these mechanisms, exercise enhances the amplitude, stability, and phase alignment of circadian rhythms and may promote physiological resilience.

This review summarizes the molecular and systemic mechanisms through which exercise supports circadian homeostasis and discusses their relevance to stroke and Alzheimer's disease. In both conditions, circadian misalignment contributes to pathological processes including oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and impaired neurovascular repair. By restoring circadian alignment, appropriately timed exercise may improve neurological outcomes through effects on neuroplasticity, immune regulation, and metabolic synchronization.

Taken together, current evidence may suggest that exercise can be a promising non-pharmacological strategy to enhance circadian resilience, reduce disease vulnerability, and support neurological recovery.