Inner Time: The Science of Body Clocks and What Makes Us Tick

Chromobiology is the science of ``body clocks,'' attuned to the earth's cycles and encoded in our cells. As explained in this engrossing, popular study by freelance journalist Orlock, we are endowed with more than 100 ``clocks,'' unrelated to our watch time, that can vary widely with the individual. They determine our hungers, moods, metabolism, rate of growth and aging, and represent ``life's adaptation to a world that is itself constantly cycling.'' The author further notes the havoc wrought on our inner time sense by light bulbs and by jet travel. In conclusion, Orlock speculates how chromobiology could improve our lives, especially in regard to the use of light, e.g., to help workers adjust to rotating schedules, and as therapy for sleep and other disorders of the aging, cluster headaches, depression and more. Above all, ``coordinating the natural time cycles'' of ``out of sync'' states could help in treating both physical and mental diseases. Illustrations not seen by PW. (Sept.)