Circadian Rhythms: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions)

The earth's daily rotation affects just about every living creature. From dawn through to dusk, there are changes in light, temperature, humidity, and rainfall. However, these changes are regular, rhythmic and, therefore, predictable. Thus, the near 24 hour circadian rhythm is innate: a genetically programmed clock that essentially ticks of its own accord.

This Very Short Introduction explains how organisms can "know" the time and reveals what we now understand of the nature and operation of chronobiological processes. Covering variables such as light, the metabolism, human health, and the seasons, Foster and Kreitzman illustrate how jet lag and shift work can impact on human well-being, and consider circadian rhythms alongside a wide range of disorders, from schizophrenia to obesity.

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Russell Foster is Professor of Circadian Neuroscience and the Head of the Department of Ophthalmology at Oxford University. His research spans basic and applied circadian and photoreceptor biology. For his discovery of non-rod, non-cone ocular photoreceptors he has been awarded the Honma prize (Japan), Cogan award (USA), and Zoological Society Scientific & Edride-Green Medals (UK). He has also written several books, such as Rhythms of Life, co-authored with Leon Kreitzman (Profile Books, 2004) and Sleep: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford University Press, 2012).

Leon Kreitzman is an esteemed author, biologist and broadcaster who is currently a visiting consultant at the Nuffield Health Centre at Oxford University. He has written numerous articles and books on the social and scientific factors of chronobiology, including The 24 Hour Society (Profile Books, 1999).