15. Accelerated Aging
Disrupted circadian rhythms have been linked to accelerated cellular aging and a reduction in overall lifespan.
Research on telomeres—the protective caps on chromosomes—shows that people with chronic circadian misalignment tend to have shorter telomeres, a marker of aging.
Animal studies further confirm that irregular light-dark cycles speed up age-related decline and increase vulnerability to age-associated diseases.
Preserving healthy circadian rhythms may help slow the aging process and promote longevity at the cellular level.