Isn't the human circadian rhythm ~ 25 hours? If I'm right, why? Surely it should be shorter than 24, not longer?
Do some research on phase-locked loops. When free-running they hit one or other end of their frequency range.
The human circadian rhythm, when free-running, isn't 24 hours. Take the humans out of the isolation enclosure and put them where they can see daylight again and it will regain its synch to 24 hours.
There's a similar effect with crabs and tides. Put them somewhere there are no tides and their activity slowly drifts from synchronization.