Figure 1
From: Estimation methods for human circadian phase by use of peripheral tissues
Requirement of circadian-phase estimation to optimize the timing of medication. Chronomedicine works when the biological activity of pharmacological targets or of nonspecific targets responsible for side effects has diurnal rhythms. Because modern life environments and lifestyle habits have enhanced the individual differences in the circadian phases, the activity of both targets oscillates in a different phase among individuals. If a medication is taken at the same time of the day without regard for the differences of the circadian phases of the individual patients, the positive effects and the side effects will be different among individuals. Therefore, the objective estimation of circadian phases in individuals is required to optimize the timing of medication.
