A Hair Test Can Now Reveal Your Internal Body Clock with Precision

A simple hair test can now reveal a person's internal body clock with high precision. Developed to support circadian medicine, the method analyses just a few follicles to determine an individual's natural rhythm. Over 4,000 people have already taken the test to identify their unique chronotype. The new test works by examining the activity of 17 specific genes in hair follicle cells. This approach maps out when a person's body naturally shifts between alertness and rest. It matches the accuracy of older, more complex methods but is far quicker and easier to carry out.

Research using the test has uncovered clear differences in circadian rhythms. Employed individuals tend to have an internal clock that runs about 30 minutes earlier than those without jobs. Age also plays a role: people in their mid-20s stay alert roughly an hour later than those over 50. Gender affects timing too, with women's bodies signalling the start of 'biological night' about six minutes earlier than men's. The test is designed to support the growing field of circadian medicine. This approach tailors medical care to a patient's internal clock, delivering treatments at the exact time they will work best. By pinpointing individual rhythms, doctors aim to improve the effectiveness of diagnostics and therapies.

The hair follicle test offers a practical way to personalise healthcare based on circadian rhythms. Its simplicity and accuracy could make timed treatments a standard part of medical practice. The method is already in use, with thousands of people tested to better understand their body's natural schedule.