A growing body of evidence supports that an internally and externally aligned network of circadian clocks protects against diverse diseases and promotes wellbeing. Conversely, circadian burden or disruption may translate into increased disease risks and negative health outcomes. The industrialized world poses many challenges to our clock, with inconsistent or weaker zeitgebers (e.g., irregular light/dark cycles), forcing us to often “live against our time”. Importantly, since the 90s, the proportion of burden due to years lived with disabilities from non-communicable diseases has increased alongside the use of technology. Actions to protect against them are in need, highlighting the potential of promoting health through circadian organization.

Our knowledge of circadian biology has greatly advanced in the past few decades, but there are still unanswered questions and translational challenges. Our field now aims to advance and translate knowledge from Chronobiology into health-promoting and clinically applicable recommendations.