A Novel Application of Smart Grid Data: Human Circadian Rhythm Detection

In recent years, circadian rhythm, also known as "circadian clock," is commonly believed critical to health. As detection methods of animals' rhythm are mature and convenient, most conventional circadian rhythm research are only based on animal models. To extend research findings to human beings, biologists have been expecting tools to directly detect human circadian rhythm on a large scale and in a long run. Here, this paper describes an application of smart grid data in detecting circadian rhythm, then uses Texas, USA as an example generating regional circadian rhythm pattern from electricity consumption, and further analysis the correlation between the changing rhythm and the morbidities of diabetes and obesity from 2004 to 2014. This is the first work which utilizes real electricity consumption and public health statistics to illustrate this natural but novel application of smart grid data. The authors believe this application may not only accelerate the circadian rhythm-related research but also reveal the great values of smart grids data from a new perspective.