ZOE Science & Nutrition The science of winter depression with Prof. Debra Skene – leading chronobiologist
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Oct 30, 2025 
Prof. Deborah Skene, a leading chronobiologist at the University of Surrey, dives into the impact of circadian rhythms on our health as winter approaches. She discusses how our internal 'master clock' affects sleep, mood, and metabolism, revealing the surprising health risks of misalignment, particularly for night shift workers. Light, especially blue light, plays a crucial role in regulating our body clocks; Skene offers practical tips on maximizing morning light exposure while reducing evening brightness to combat winter blues and maintain our well-being.
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Body Clocks Are Everywhere
- The human body contains a master clock in the hypothalamus and many peripheral clocks across organs that must synchronize.
- These clocks anticipate events like sleep, wake, and feeding to optimize physiology.
Different Clocks Adapt At Different Speeds
- Different body clocks adapt at different speeds, causing temporary mismatches after time shifts.
- Persistent mismatches between clocks likely harm health by reducing physiological efficiency.
Use Daylight As Your Primary Cue
- Use the daily light-dark cycle as your primary time cue because photoperiod is the most reliable environmental signal.
- Prioritize daylight exposure to keep internal clocks synchronized with the outside world.