The Inner Clock: Living in Sync with Our Circadian Rhythms

4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars | 32 ratings

Price: 17.72

Last update: 01-09-2025


About this item

"A rich history of what makes us tick, so to speak, paired with fascinating modern discoveries about how circadian rhythms influence our daily lives"—The Wall Street Journal

How the groundbreaking science of circadian rhythms can help you sleep better, feel happier, and improve your overall health

Your body contains a symphony of tiny timepieces, synchronized to the sun and subtle signals in your environment and behavior. But modern insults like artificial light, contrived time zones, and late-night meals can wreak havoc on your internal clocks.

Armed with advances in biology and technology, a circadian renaissance is reclaiming those lost rhythms. The Inner Clock explores the emerging science and its transformative applications: How could taking a walk in the morning and going to bed at the same time each night keep your body in sync? Why are some doctors prescribing treatments at specific times of day? And how might a better understanding of our circadian rhythms improve educational outcomes, optimize sports performance, and support the longevity of our planet?

Science journalist Lynne Peeples seeks out the scientists, astronauts, athletes, and patients at the forefront of a growing movement. Along the way, she sleeps in a Cold War-era bunker, chases the midnight sun, spits into test tubes, and wears high-tech light sensors to decipher what makes our internal clocks tick and how we can reset them for the better.


Top reviews from the United States

  • Kristiana
    5.0 out of 5 stars A master class in understanding circadian rhythms
    Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2024
    I am not a part of the science community, but I was intrigued to read this book because I know so little about circadian rhythms and was having a lot of disrupted sleep. The book turned out to be a surprising and delightful adventure through every facet of circadian rhythms: science, history, sports, architecture, public policy, healthcare, world cultures and even Lynne's personal experiences testing the limits of her own body through extreme light and dark exposures. There were so many brilliant insights and takeaways - it was like the master class I never knew I needed! I can't help but look around me now and see dozens of changes I want to make to improve my own rhythms at home and at work. Thank you, Lynne, for investing the time to make this wealth of research available in a way we can all understand!
  • Monica Macri
    5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining and Informative!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2024
    I really enjoyed this book! I learned a lot of simple things I can do to sleep better and it was entertaining the whole way through.
  • MGO
    4.0 out of 5 stars good update on circadian science and circadian medicine
    Reviewed in the United States on December 21, 2024
    A great journalistic review of circadian science and circadian medicine. A bit too detailed in it’s descriptions. At times it becomes boring because of all the lenghtly unnecessary story telling
  • GT Hill
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Easiest Way to Better Your Lives
    Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2024
    This book is a MUST READ if you like to find hacks (new techniques) to improve your life. Many books state everything in the first 5 chapters then repeat until the book is the right length.

    Not here - from beginning to end the book is full of studies, anecdotes, and experts giving the reader digestible information that you can start applying to your life right away.

    Circadian rhythm isn’t only about sleeping - it’s about timing of the things that we do every day.

    I’m giving copies to my friends and am looking forward to my wife applying the great advice in the book. :-)

    Buy the book! :-)
  • PNW McG
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic read & highly informative
    Reviewed in the United States on October 26, 2024
    Highly recommend this book, especially if you live in high latitudes, have ongoing sleep issues, or simply curious to learn more about how our environment influences us physiologically and emotionally. Author is an excellent writer, effectively synthesizing her research into a compelling and enjoyable narrative.
  • Fox
    5.0 out of 5 stars What an Interesting and Helpful Book!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2024
    Lynne captured my attention in the start of the book when she did an experiment to see how her body responded to lack of light and no visible clocks. Throughout the book she talked with scientific experts who research circadian rhythms, and other subjects related to how lighting or lack thereof affect us. She also did more experiments on her own. I had no idea how complex the subject of circadian rhythm is.
    I highly recommend this book if you want to learn how to improve sleep, improve athletic performance and quality of life.
  • Dan Meyer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Forever changed the way I think about light, sleep, and time.
    Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2024
    For anyone who has ever stared at the ceiling at 3am wondering why they're still awake, or pondered what makes someone a morning person or a night owl, or considered adjusting their routine to foster better sleep, this book is a must-read. Peeples' writing is engaging and her enthusiasm for the subject is infectious. You'll learn all about the rapidly expanding world of circadian science and explore all of the ways that our genetic makeup, environment, diet, and light-exposure affect the delicate rhythm of our bodies' clocks. I was particularly fascinated by her discussion of the science surrounding light sources and our exposure to natural light and I'll definitely be making some lifestyle changes in those areas. It's easy to imagine circadian science being a dull subject, but Peeples' manages to make it a delightful journey. I can't recommend this book enough.
  • William Gielincki Jr.
    1.0 out of 5 stars Targets someone without much previous learning of subject
    Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2024
    Have been challenged by insomnia for decades. Read many books and articles on subject. Nothing new or helpful in this book

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