How optimizing circadian rhythms can increase healthy years
Prof. Satchin Panda (14 minutes)
Published by: TEDxBoston - 11 Dec, 2021
Dr. Satchidananda Panda, a professor at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California. Satchin’s work deals specifically with the timing of food and it’s relationship with our biological clocks governed by circadian rhythm and also the circadian rhythm in general.
Professor Panda explores the genes, molecules and cells that keep the whole body on the same circadian clock. A section of the hypothalamus called the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) lies at the center of the body’s master clock and gets input directly from light sensors in the eyes, keeping the rest of the body on schedule. Panda discovered how these light sensors work, as well as how cellular timekeepers in other parts of the body function. He also uncovered a novel blue light sensor in the retina that measures ambient light level and sets the time to go to sleep and wake up every day.
In the process of exploring how the liver’s daily cycles work, Panda found that mice which eat within a set amount of time (12 hours) resulted in slimmer, healthier mice than those who ate the same number of calories in a larger window of time, showing that when one eats may be as important as what one eats. If the benefits of this “12-hour diet” hold true in humans, it could have profound impacts on treating overeating disorders, diabetes and obesity.
The circadian clock, he found, even mediates the immune system. Mice with a crucial circadian molecule missing had higher levels of inflammation in their bodies than other mice, suggesting that genes and molecules involved in the circadian clock could be drug targets for conditions linked to inflammation, such as infections or cancer. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.
Circadian Rhythm and Intermittent Fasting for Healthy Lifespan
University of California Television (UCTV) (88 minutes)
Published by: University of California Television - 8 Nov, 2025
Circadian timing shapes how we sleep, feel, and function each day. Satchidananda Panda, Ph.D., Salk Institute, explains that keeping daily light, meals, movement, and sleep in step with the body’s internal clock supports alertness, metabolism, and recovery. Panda notes that evening light and late eating can make it harder to fall asleep and may work against healthy glucose control, while thoughtful timing of activity can improve energy and rest. He highlights that when we take medicines matters because the body’s response changes across the day. Travel and shift work challenge these rhythms, but simple habits with light exposure, meal timing, and sleep can ease the strain. Panda also describes ongoing efforts testing practical routines, including limited daily eating windows paired with light and activity strategies.
The Rediscovery of Sunlight in Medicine
Cameron Borg interviews Dr Roger Seheult (64 minutes)
Published by: Ricci Flow Nutrition -
Timestamps and contents
00:00:00 - Intro
00:01:28 - Roger's Story
00:04:38 - Starting MedCram
00:06:57 - Discovering Light's Power in Medicine
00:09:38 - Reductionistic Science
00:15:41 - Light & Mitochondria Impact All Disease
00:17:21 - Using Light Therapy in Medicine
00:21:55 - Benefits of Long Wavelength Light
00:25:22 - Hospital Lighting
00:32:16 - Dangers of Artificial Light
00:39:40 - Circadian Rhythms
00:49:07 - Blue Zones & Natural Light Exposure
01:01:20 - Wrapping Up
01:03:06 - Outro
"The Hidden Healing Power of the Sun: Why 20 Minutes of Sunlight Is Essential"
Dr Roger Seheult: (79 minutes)
Published by: In Your Skin Podcast - September, 2025
Dr Roger Seheult—pulmonologist, critical care and sleep physician, and co-founder of MedCram, unpacks the science-backed benefits of sunlight, infrared light, and circadian rhythm on our immunity, mood, skin, and long-term health.
He shares an extraordinary hospital case of a teenage patient with a life-threatening fungal lung infection who turned a corner after daily time in the sun, and explains why light is more than “just vitamin D”. We explore how infrared light powers up your mitochondria, why getting outside (even in the shade, clothed, and sunscreened) still matters, and how simple habits like morning light exposure, strategic heat and cold, and the eight pillars of health (NEWSTART) can shift everything from sleep quality to metabolic health—and even longevity.
If you’ve ever wondered how to balance Aussie sun safety with getting enough light for your brain, skin, and immune system, this one’s for you.
In this podcast
0:00 – Welcome to the episode with Dr Roger Seheult (pulmonary, critical care, sleep; MedCram)
0:40 – The extraordinary case: teen with aggressive fungal lung disease improves after daily sunlight
4:25 – CT “gasp” moment: ~60–70% improvement in his remaining lung
5:55 – Hospitals, verandas, and windows: why patients near natural light recover faster
7:15 – Three big benefits of sunlight: circadian rhythm, mood, and metabolic health
9:35 – Infrared explained: the warmth you feel powers mitochondria and ATP (energy)
11:30 – Green spaces reflect infrared—why trees and grass supercharge your light dose
13:05 – Infrared sauna vs sunlight: why the full spectrum matters
14:45 – Vitamin D myths and realities: supplements help, but don’t replace the sun
17:40 – Is avoiding the sun more dangerous? Swedish and UK Biobank data on mortality
24:40 – Ageing & mitochondria: energy decline, oxidative stress, and melatonin made in cells
37:55 – The eight laws of health (NEWSTART) and what makes Dr Seheult feel confident in his skin
An Ideal Circadian Day
Prof. Satchin Panda (10 minutes)
Published by: University of California Television (UCTV) - 30 Dec, 2025
Circadian timing shapes how we sleep, feel, and function each day. Satchidananda Panda, Ph.D., Salk Institute, describes what the ideal circadian rhythms of a day look like. Dr. Panda explains that keeping daily light, meals, movement, and sleep in step with the body’s internal clock supports alertness, metabolism, and recovery.
