The Circadian System and Chronic Kidney Disease Risk: Epidemiological Evidence
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects roughly 10% of the world's population, and growing evidence suggests that disruption of the circadian system-now recognized as an important regulator of numerous physiological pathways, may contribute to impaired kidney function and increased CKD risk. This narrative review aims to synthesize the existing literature on the association between determinants of circadian rhythm (shift work, artificial light at night [ALAN], melatonin) as well as sleep health and CKD risk. Three databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase) were searched for original articles published from 1966 through 28 February 2026. A total of 34 studies examined the association between circadian factors and CKD risk: 7 on shift work, 2 on ALAN, 4 on melatonin, 4 on chronotype, 2 on social jetlag, 2 on insomnia, and 18 on sleep duration. Taken together, these studies offer consistent evidence that shift work, evening chronotype, prolonged social jetlag, and both short and long sleep duration are associated with elevated CKD risk. Given the potential implications for early detection, risk stratification, and targeted behavioral interventions, future research should employ standardized approaches and improved measures using, for example, actigraphy, to clarify causal pathways and strengthen the evidence base.
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