Abstract

Background: A regular circadian rest-activity pattern is essential for optimal health. Any disruption or irregularity can lead to alterations in circadian rhythms, which in turn can trigger cardiometabolic illnesses. This review presents an approach to the literature on the circadian rest-activity pattern and its association with cardiometabolic illnesses. Method: Narrative review. Results: Circadian rest-activity pattern alterations, such as lower stability, reduced robustness, and higher fragmentation of circadian rest-activity rhythms, may be detrimental to human health. Furthermore, objective methods such as wrist actigraphy, questionnaires, and sleep diaries, as well as “dim light melatonin onset” (DLMO), have been proposed as feasible methods to assess the circadian rest-activity pattern. Conclusion: In medical practice, it is crucial to view the circadian rest-activity pattern as a clinical biomarker related to human health. Additionally, alterations in the circadian rest-activity pattern have been linked to cardiometabolic illnesses.