地球の自転のリズムは、そこに暮らす全ての生物に影響を及ぼしています。生命体はどのように時を感知しているのでしょうか。時間生物学的プロセスの性質と働きについて現在解っていることを解説し、光、代謝、季節などの要素についても検討します。時差ぼけや交代勤務が心身に与える影響、統合失調症から肥満に至るまで、心身のさまざまな不調と概日リズムの関係についても探ります。
 

• Offers a comprehensive description of the science behind circadian rhythms
• Describes how biological clocks enable animals to anticipate the regular daily changes in the external environment and synchronise their activities so as to maximise their chances of survival and reproduction
• Describes how our own behaviour is regulated by our biological clocks over a 24 hour period

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.