Every second of the day, tiny biological clocks are ticking throughout your body, from the neural pathways of your brain to your very cells. But modern life is disrupting this ancient and delicate mechanism in ways we are only just beginning to understand. Artificial light, jet lag, night shifts, air pollution, and out-of-sync work and meal routines are conspiring to push us out of joint. This is not only exacerbating mental health issues such as depression and fatigue, but also increasing the risk of obesity, heart disease, dementia and even cancer.
In this masterclass, Professor Russell Foster, a world-leading expert on circadian neuroscience, will take you on a fascinating journey through our days and nights.
You will discover:
And much more.
Using surprising examples and cutting-edge science, Professor Foster will bust long-standing myths about the best daily routine: from how to use light for a better night’s sleep to using meal times to supercharge your metabolism, from the optimal time to have sex for conception to the extraordinary effects the time we take medication can have on our risk of life-threatening conditions such as strokes.
In the 21st Century, and we have thrown away an essential part of our biology. But with science, we can get back into the rhythm, and live healthier, sharper lives.
Praise for Russell Foster’s Life Time:
‘A superlative guide to some of the most intriguing questions of human existence’- Bill Bryson
‘Strongly recommended. You will sleep more deeply, be awake more fully, and live much more harmoniously with Russell Foster’s help’ – Anthony Seldon
‘Who knew (I didn’t) that everything, I mean everything 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 and how to do it. Consider it an emergency to read. It’s a perfect blend of humour and science, what more could you want? Russell, I love your book!’ – Ruby Wax
‘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
‘Who knew our body clocks controlled so much of our health, happiness, and life span? Renowned neuroscientist Russell Foster has spent four decades shining a light into dimly understood and fascinating field of human biological rhythms. This book cannily and crisply summarizes what he’s discovered. I learned so much’ – James Nestor, author of Breath
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 – Life Time is his first as sole author.
