Assessing ChrOnobiological Rhythms iN health and epilepsy [ACORN] FLF renewal

Chronobiological rhythms, such as the sleep-wake cycle, regulate nearly every aspect of human health. Disruptions to these rhythms are linked to poor health outcomes; yet, we lack clear biomarkers to measure disruptions or strategies to restore them. My fellowship seeks to address this gap by investigating how disrupted biological rhythms underpin disease conditions such as epilepsy and exploring whether targeted interventions could aid treatments. We will leverage wearable technologies to measure biological rhythms in both healthy individuals and people with epilepsy. By collecting and analysing multimodal data—including heart rate, temperature, movement, light exposure, and glucose levels—we will establish a foundation to understand what constitutes a ‘healthy’ rhythm, how disruptions can manifest, and which disruptions relate to disease. Key Objectives Define healthy and disrupted rhythms: We will collect multimodal wearable data from healthy individuals and people with epilepsy, creating a unique dataset to determine the best physiological markers of rhythm disruption. This will lead to a standardised library of biomarkers, useful beyond epilepsy, for broader research in chronobiology. Identify environmental influences: We will investigate how factors such as artificial light, temperature changes, exercise patterns, and meal timing contribute to rhythm disruptions. By analysing real-world data, we aim to pinpoint modifiable lifestyle factors that either support or destabilise biological rhythms. Test interventions: Using insights from our data, we will trial targeted interventions—including structured light exposure, meal timing adjustments, and exercise regimens—to restore disrupted rhythms. These interventions will be tested first in shift workers and frequent travellers experiencing jetlag, before potentially being expanded to individuals with epilepsy to assess potential health benefits. Impact and Applications This research will provide new tools to measure and understand biological rhythms, offering potential benefits in multiple domains. Healthcare: Identifying biomarkers of disrupted rhythms could improve early diagnosis of conditions linked to rhythm misalignment. Public health: Findings will inform guidelines on work schedules, lighting regulations, and lifestyle recommendations to promote chronobiological health. Technology & industry: By collaborating with wearable technology companies, we will refine devices for chronobiological research, helping consumers and clinicians monitor and improve sleep and health. Ultimately, this project will generate re-usable datasets, open-source analytical tools, and practical interventions that can be widely applied to improve well-being and disease management. By bridging fundamental chronobiology with real-world applications, we aim to pave the way for a future where wearable technologies help individuals maintain healthier biological rhythms.