The article by science columnist Gang Seok-ki explores the importance of aligning daily activities with our natural circadian rhythms, particularly how humans, like other primates, have evolved to function during the day and rest at night. It implies that deviations from this pattern, exacerbated by modern lifestyle and environmental factors like artificial lighting, contribute to widespread issues such as obesity and depression. The author notes that as humans age, it becomes increasingly clear that living in harmony with one's natural temporal and physical characteristics leads to better overall well-being.

The piece references a recent study published in 'Science' that details the cellular mechanisms underlying the shift from nocturnal to diurnal activity in mammals. Prior to the mass extinction of dinosaurs 66 million years ago, mammals were predominantly nocturnal, but with their extinction, diurnal species began to thrive. The research highlights how specific genetic mutations affecting protein metabolism evolved in nocturnal animals, leading some species to become insensitive to temperature fluctuations and thus more active during the day.

This discovery raises questions about whether the evolution to diurnality represents a form of regression in terms of energy efficiency, as warm-blooded mammals like humans adapt to diurnal life. The findings underscore the significance of structural biological changes in the context of modern living, where lifestyle adjustments are crucial for mental and physical health, reinforcing the argument for maintaining consistent daily activity patterns that align with natural biological rhythms.