Circadian rhythms can accelerate recovery from viral infections
Circadian rhythms are internal processes that operate in a cycle of approximately 24 hours and regulate sleep, wakefulness, hormones, and immune function. Each organ and each cell has its own clock, which is synchronized with external signals. This role is usually performed by light and a regular meal schedule. Rhythm disturbances, such as those caused by shift work or jet lag, are well known to worsen well—being. However, it is much less obvious that the same disorders can directly affect the course of infections. Scientists from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) have discovered that the state of a person’s internal biological clock directly affects the course and outcome of infections, including the flu. The work, published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, shows that properly tuned circadian rhythms help the body better cope with inflammation and recover faster.
In the course of the study, they studied how external rhythmic signals affect the course of an influenza infection. Experts have found that changing the lighting mode during the critical period of the disease completely negates the protective effect associated with the time of day. The lack of proper light signals led to a malfunction of the immune response and excessive accumulation of inflammatory cells in the lungs, which worsened the course of infection. Even after infection, the body remains sensitive to external rhythms that can both improve and worsen the outcome of the disease.
At the same time, the researchers noticed that even with the light regime disrupted, maintaining a stable meal schedule partially compensated for the failure of the circadian clock. Regular timing signals from nutrition helped maintain a more balanced immune response, which underscores the importance of several different channels for synchronizing biological rhythms.
The findings are of particular importance for patients in hospitals, where circadian disturbances are common due to constant lighting, irregular meals, and a large number of nighttime interventions. The authors of the study believe that a more careful attitude to the biological rhythms of patients can improve outcomes in severe respiratory infections. Approaches that take into account the light regime, feeding time, and general compliance with the patient’s biological cycles can be introduced into clinical practice.
The study shows that maintaining healthy circadian rhythms is not just a matter of comfort, but a potentially important treatment tool that can help the body fight viruses more effectively and recover faster.
Published
November, 2025
Category
Medicine
Duration of reading
2–3 minutes
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Source
Scientific Journal Journal of Clinical Investigation. Article:«Effect of external cues on clock-driven protection from influenza A infection»
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