Healthy Aging Guided by Circadian Rhythm Monitoring Using a Smartwatch-Like Device

Abstract

Aging is the main factor for onset of disease. Nonetheless, chronological age does not necessarily correspond to biological age. The regulation of aging, circadian rhythms, and temperature involves the same brain structure: the hypothalamus. We previously showed that the analysis of the circadian rhythm of temperature may predict neurologic signs with 24 hours of antecedence. Our hypothesis is that the circadian rhythm of temperature changes gradually with aging and correlates with biological age. This study aims to assess whether the circadian rhythm of temperature correlates with the chronological age of healthy individuals aged between 18 and 72 years and changes more intensely in individuals with obesity, which is a disease associated with unhealthy aging. To achieve the study goals, 60 individuals will be enrolled and separated into four groups according to age (< or >= 45 years) and health status (healthy or obese). The participants will wear a wristband with vital sign sensors and an accelerometer for three days to detect movement during wake period and lack of movement during sleep period. The ratio between the mean skin temperature during the sleep and preceding wake period will be the main parameter to be analyzed in the study. The possible result is that this ratio is higher in healthy young individuals, as well as healthy age-matched individuals. This could imply the discovery of a simple and non-invasive method related to the biological age that could guide the prevention and treatment of aging-related diseases.