I recently read the The Inner Clock and found it very informative and well-written. The book discusses circadian rhythms in humans and animals. The discussion begins with a look at the biological processes that control the internal clocks of living creatures and the connection to the environmental clock of the Earth with day and night, seasons, etc. We then move on to the the assault on our circadian rhythms in our technological society from the light pollution from artificial lighting. The loss of darkness due to artificial nighttime has a significant negative impart on humans and most other living creatures. The book includes discussion of other rhythm disruptors in our society such as shift work (which forces people to work at times when most people are sleeping) and the continuing absurdity of “Daylight Savings Time.”
The final section of the book offers some helpful suggestions to keep your internal clocks (found in every cell) in sync with the world. This includes basics like understanding the times of day when you are most and least productive and planning your schedule accordingly. It may also include strategic use of light therapy if you are in the long dark days of winter in a high latitude with little natural daylight.
I am a member of the International Dark Sky Society which is working to raise awareness and reduction of light pollution. The annual meeting on Zoom took place just a few weeks ago. I had just finished reading The Inner Clock and I was delighted when I learned that Ms. Peeples was the keynote speaker for the conference. I enjoyed her presentation and I recommend this book. Ms. Peeples has a background in journalism and science writing and the book is well-written with minimal technical language.