Working night shifts can be demanding, as many night shift workers will recognize. What makes this work so challenging, and how can we improve this?  In a recent article, popular Dutch newspaper De Volkskrant spoke with several BioClock researchers about the effects of night work and possible solutions. Nightshifts and the biological clockThe negative effects of night work are closely related to the biological clock. Normally, it runs in sync with the 24-hour day-night...

As widely shared on our social media channels, the BioClock team was present at Lowlands Science 2025 last weekend (16–18 August), where we introduced festival visitors to the fascinating world of the biological clock. The initiative was led by Maaike van der Rhee, Demy van Gilst, Ward Vleeshouwers, and Gali Albalak. Under the motto “Too tired to function? Let’s find out!” our PhD candidates explored the question: how does sleep deprivation affect reaction time, alertness, and even...

New study highlights the importance of timing in physical activity Research by BioClock scientist Gali Albalak (Leiden University Medical Center) shows that not only how much we move, but also when we move can influence our mental health. The results indicate that people who are primarily active in the morning have a significantly lower risk of depression, whereas nighttime activity is associated with a higher risk. Largest study to date Using data from the UK Biobank, the...

Biological clock & Student wellbeing Sleep problems are increasingly common among university students and are strongly linked to mood and anxiety disorders. An irregular day–night rhythm – caused by late bedtimes and social jetlag – worsens these complaints. What was studied? BioClock researcher Laura Pape (Leiden University) and her colleagues developed the digital self-help intervention ‘i-Sleep & BioClock’. This five-week program combines the proven...

The night is full of life, if you look closely. Take part and capture a striking image that puts the natural world after sunset centre stage. Send in your photo by 14 September for the Photo Challenge “The Beauty of the Night.” In a world that grows ever brighter, this contest highlights the importance of darkness. Every living being on Earth runs on a biological clock tied to the light–dark cycle. Artificial light at night can disrupt this rhythm, affecting health, behaviour,...

Artificial light at night may seem harmless. After all, it helps us see better, feel safer, and enjoy our cities after sunset. But for insects, night-time lighting can be a trap – literally. And since insects are essential for pollination and as food for birds and bats, the ripple effects are widespread. A new BioClock-study shows that both the color and intensity of artificial light influence how insects respond, offering valuable insights for how we design lighting to protect...