Lungs can tell time—a highlight from 2016 ATS session on clock genes, inflammation, immunology, and sleep

Circadian rhythms represent endogenous processes that regulate physiological and cellular functions in a 24-hour cyclical pattern (1). These rhythms are thought to be an evolutionary strategy for adaptation to diurnal changes in the environment. Sleep-wake cycle, core body temperature, endogenous release of glucocorticoid and melatonin are a few of the many physiological processes with circadian properties.