Circadian rhythm adjustment in spaceflight:challenges and countermeasures
JIANG Xiaoyu
LIU Xin
MA Wenxue
YE Hua
LIU Qinghua
Abstract：With the advancement of human deep-space exploration missions,astronauts increasingly face severe disruptions to their circadian rhythms while enduring prolonged exposure to space environments.Circadian rhythms are primarily regulated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus(SCN)through a transcription-translation feedback loop,along with multilayered modulation involving epigenetic and metabolic mechanisms.However,microgravity,non-24-hour light-dark cycles(e.g.,the 90-minute orbital period in low Earth orbit),and confined isolation in space may collectively contribute to circadian desynchronization.Studies indicate that circadian disruption is significantly associated with sleep disturbances,cognitive and emotional dysregulation,immune suppression,and an elevated risk of metabolic syndrome in astronauts.Current countermeasures include pharmacological interventions,light therapy,nutritional modulation,and physical exercise.Future research will focus on multidimensional biological rhythm regulation technologies.These advancements will not only support deep-space exploration but also demonstrate a"terrestrial spillover effect",potentially revolutionizing treatment paradigms for shift-work disorder,sleep disorders,and even cancer,which certainly underscore the interdisciplinary value of space medicine research.
Keywords：circadian rhythmspace medicinebiological clockmicrogravityrhythm synchronizationcircadian regulation
Publication Date：2026-02-25
Online Publishing Date：2026-03-26(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：8( 105-112 )