Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Conversation
The Conversation
Laura Roden, Professor in Chronobiology, Coventry University

Can’t sleep? Your ability to adapt to shiftwork and the changing seasons may be determined by your genes

Barillo_Images/Shutterstock

Many people find that their sleep and moods are linked to the seasons. Those living in temperate zones may feel like hibernating in winter and staying out all night in summer, though even those in the tropics can be affected by changing seasons. That’s because we are seasonal animals and adjust our behaviour according to cues from the environment.

Now, it turns out that our ancient adaptation to the seasons also affects our ability to adjust to modern lifestyle factors such as shiftwork – and probably jet lag, too.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.