Introduction

Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the evolution and role of Circadian Rhythms, the so-called body clock that influences an organism's daily cycle of physical, behavioural and mental changes. The rhythms are generated within organisms and also in response to external stimuli, mainly light and darkness. They are found throughout the living world, from bacteria to plants, fungi to animals and, in humans, are noticed most clearly in sleep patterns.

With

Russell Foster Professor of Circadian Neuroscience at the University of Oxford

Debra Skene Professor of Neuroendocrinology at the University of Surrey

And

Steve Jones Emeritus Professor of Genetics at University College London.