Circadian Rhythm Disruption

This randomized, sham-controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of self-administered acupressure on social jet lag, sleep patterns, and sleep quality in female health sciences students. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a self-acupressure intervention group or a sham self-acupressure control group. The intervention will be performed daily for 12 weeks. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and at the end of the intervention period, with the primary outcome being the change in social jet lag. Secondary outcomes include changes in sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and participant blinding assessment.

This prospective cross-sectional clinical study aims to investigate the relationship between circadian rhythm disruption and periodontal inflammation by evaluating circadian clock protein levels, inflammatory (IL-1beta) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokine levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of individuals with and without circadian rhythm disruption. Participants aged 20-50 years will be classified into four groups based on their circadian rhythm status (disrupted/normal) and gingival health status (gingivitis/healthy). Clinical periodontal parameters including plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, and probing depth will be assessed. Circadian rhythm status will be determined using validated questionnaires (Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire and Munich Chronotype Questionnaire). Night-shift workers will represent the circadian rhythm disruption group. GCF samples will be analyzed for circadian clock proteins (BMAL-1, CLOCK, PER-1, PER-2, PER-3, CRY-1, CRY-2, REV-ERB-beta, MTNR1B) and cytokines (IL-1beta, IL-10) using ELISA. Serum cortisol and melatonin levels will be measured for biochemical verification of circadian rhythm status. Gingivitis groups will receive standard periodontal treatment and be re-evaluated at 2 weeks post-treatment. A total of 116 participants (29 per group) are planned for enrollment.