Life Time
The New Science of the Body Clock, and How It Can Revolutionize Your Sleep and Health
Published on 19. May 2022
Book
Hardback
480 pages
978-0-241-52930-0 (ISBN)
Description
** THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER **
GIVE THEM THE GIFT OF A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP WITH THIS GUIDE TO THE SCIENCE OF THE BODY CLOCK!
'A superlative guide to some of the most intriguing questions of human existence' Bill Bryson
In the twenty-first century, we increasingly push our daily routines into the night, carrying out work, exercise and our social lives long after dark. But we have forgotten that our bodies are governed by a 24-hour biological clock which guides us towards the best time to sleep, eat and think. New science has proven that living out of sync with this clock is not only disrupting our sleep, but leaving us more vulnerable to infection, cancer, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and mental illness.
In Life Time, Professor Russell Foster shares his life's work, taking us on a fascinating and surprising journey through the science of our body clocks. Using his own studies, as well as insights from an international community of sleep scientists and biologists studying circadian rhythms, he illustrates the surprising effects the time of day can have on our health:
- how a walk outside at dawn can ensure a better night's sleep
- how eating after sundown can affect our weight
- the extraordinary effects the time we take our medication can have on our risk of life-threatening conditions, such as strokes
In the modern world, we have neglected an essential part of our biology. But with knowledge of this astonishing science, we can get back into the rhythm, and live healthier, sharper lives.
GIVE THEM THE GIFT OF A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP WITH THIS GUIDE TO THE SCIENCE OF THE BODY CLOCK!
'A superlative guide to some of the most intriguing questions of human existence' Bill Bryson
In the twenty-first century, we increasingly push our daily routines into the night, carrying out work, exercise and our social lives long after dark. But we have forgotten that our bodies are governed by a 24-hour biological clock which guides us towards the best time to sleep, eat and think. New science has proven that living out of sync with this clock is not only disrupting our sleep, but leaving us more vulnerable to infection, cancer, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and mental illness.
In Life Time, Professor Russell Foster shares his life's work, taking us on a fascinating and surprising journey through the science of our body clocks. Using his own studies, as well as insights from an international community of sleep scientists and biologists studying circadian rhythms, he illustrates the surprising effects the time of day can have on our health:
- how a walk outside at dawn can ensure a better night's sleep
- how eating after sundown can affect our weight
- the extraordinary effects the time we take our medication can have on our risk of life-threatening conditions, such as strokes
In the modern world, we have neglected an essential part of our biology. But with knowledge of this astonishing science, we can get back into the rhythm, and live healthier, sharper lives.
Reviews / Votes
'A superlative guide to some of the most intriguing questions of human existence' -- Bill Bryson, author of The Body: A Guide for Occupants A comprehensive manifesto for living in harmony with our body clocks, penned by someone who has devoted his career to studying them. * Financial Times * 'Who knew that everything, I mean everything to do with our health is influenced by our circadian rhythms and sleep: physical and mental health, immune functioning, disease, fertility, relationships, energy, emotions, mood, work life, family life and happiness. This book tells you what to do to keep within your natural rhythm and how to do it. A perfect blend of humour, science and pure genius - what more could you want? Consider it an emergency to read' -- Ruby Wax 'Who knew our body clocks determined so much of our health, happiness, and lifespan? Renowned neuroscientist Russell Foster has spent four decades shining a light into the dimly understood and fascinating field of human biological rhythms. This book crisply summarizes what he's discovered. I learned so much' -- James Nestor, author of Breath 'This book has the answers to everything you've ever wondered about your natural rhythms, from sleep to eating to exercise. Excellent, engaging and evidence-based, it's a brilliant guide to an aspect of our health we don't think about enough' -- Claudia Hammond, author of The Art of Rest 'Strongly recommended. You will sleep more deeply, be awake more fully, and live much more harmoniously with Russell Foster's help' -- Anthony Seldon, author of The Impossible Office?: The History of the British Prime Minister 'Almost all of us would benefit from this revelatory guide by a world-leading expert on circadian neuroscience' (Editor's Choice) * The Bookseller * 'Russell Foster's writing on circadian rhythms and sleep opens a new scientific frontier. Understanding the effect of sleep on our brains is the key to improved performance and happiness. Sleep is to the brain what diet is to the body' -- Rt Hon Penny Mordaunt, Minister for Trade Policy, UK 'Whatever I do in my day, or wherever I have travelled to or from, Russell Foster's guiding words and advice on healthy sleep, regular rhythms and the importance of daylight resound in my head. This is a must read for anyone wishing a more balanced existence' -- Dora Loewenstein, President of BrainWaves, and a Vice-President of Save the Children Astonishing . . . What gives the book special force is the author's prominence on the front lines of circadian neuroscience and sleep medicine, not to mention the breadth and depth of the research, which he is as excited to share as if he were recounting a gripping mystery. * Wall Street Journal *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Penguin Books Ltd
Dimensions
Height: 222 mm
Width: 144 mm
Thickness: 42 mm
Weight
590 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-241-52930-0 (9780241529300)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Russell Foster
Life Time
The New Science of the Body Clock, and How It Can Revolutionize Your Sleep and Health
E-Book
05/2022
1st Edition
Penguin Books Ltd
€9.49
Available for download
Person
Russell Foster is Professor of Circadian Neuroscience, Director of the Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute (SCNi) and Head of the Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology at the University of Oxford. He frequently contributes to newspapers, television and radio, including an appearance on Desert Island Discs, and has co-written four popular science books - this is his first as sole author.