—Gabe Dennett and Nathan Goodwin (Mentor: Michael Brian)
This study investigates the short-term effects of an acute circadian fluctuation protocol on the cardiovascular and metabolic health of young recreationally active college students. While the deleterious effects of sleep deprivation on a person’s health are wide reaching and well established, circadian misalignment—the discrepancy between biological clocks and external cues—remain under investigated. This research highlights “social jet lag,” a common phenomenon among young people wherein inconsistent sleep and wake times driven by social, school, work, or other commitments creates irregularity in hormonal rhythms, autonomic, and metabolic processes; emphasizing the emerging recognition that not just how much we sleep, but when we sleep, is critical for maintaining long-term health. Social jet lag potentially increases the risk for cardiometabolic and cardiovascular disease. The findings of this study underscore the importance of keeping a consistent sleep schedule to optimize health and physical performance.
