The coordinated, recurrent periods during which the body prioritizes and executes widespread repair, renewal, and cellular turnover across multiple organ systems. These cycles are largely synchronized with the nocturnal phase of the circadian rhythm and are crucial for counteracting the cumulative wear and tear of daily metabolic activity. Maximizing the efficiency and duration of these cycles is a primary goal in longevity and restorative medicine. They represent the body’s intrinsic, scheduled self-renewal program.
Origin
This concept integrates principles from chronobiology, endocrinology, and cellular biology, emphasizing the whole-body nature of repair processes. Systemic refers to the involvement of the entire organism, and Cycles highlights the periodic, rhythmic nature of the restorative activity.
Mechanism
The cycles are hormonally driven, notably by the pulsatile secretion of Growth Hormone (GH) during deep sleep, which stimulates the liver to produce IGF-1, promoting tissue repair and protein synthesis. Autophagy is upregulated during these periods, allowing for the clearance of damaged cellular components across various tissues. Furthermore, the reduction in metabolic rate and oxidative stress during rest provides the energetic and biochemical environment necessary for efficient repair and detoxification processes.
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