Copilot Body Clock: How Biology Could Drive the Future of Technology

In this DLD Sync session, two of the world’s leading chronobiologists put their research into perspective with regard to technology and the future of mobility. Elizabeth Klerman (Harvard Medical School) and Till Roenneberg (LMU Munich) explained what chronobiology is – and why it is vital for all of us to know more about it.

They also gave tips on how to avoid common misconceptions and what you should know about restful sleep and sleeping patterns.

Evolution has given humans an inner clock that used to be in tune with natural rhythms like sunrise and sunset, the researchers pointed out in conversation with DLD founder Steffi Czerny. “We should always consider that everything that goes on in our body is controlled by our very individual biological clock”, Roenneberg says. “And therefore it’s a very important thing to know about.”

But modern work hours and lifestyle choices often interfere with our inner clock. Staying up late to finish a movie, getting up early to rush to the office, flying around half the world and across multiple zones – none of this is healthy from the perspective of a chronobiologist.

“There’s a huge amount of evidence that if you get insufficient sleep, it’s bad for every aspect of your physical, including mental, body”, Elizabeth Klerman says.

Trying to ignore the body’s needs can be downright dangerous, for example when people fall asleep at the wheel. “There are a number of studies that show that lots of accidents happen within two miles of home”, Klerman observes. “People need to recognize that when you need to sleep is not a good time to drive. It might be inconvenient. But it’s better to be alive.”

At some point, autonomous cars may solve this problem. But already engineers should consider making the passenger cabin brighter, Till Roenneberg suggests. “Give the people in the car as much light as possible during the day”, he demands, to help the body clock stay in tune with the day’s natural cycle. “Biology should always be on the mind of the technology builders.”

The discussion also includes benefits of the home office, why it’s bad to stress out over your alarm clock, how astronauts keep a healthy sleep rhythm, and much more. Watch the video, below, to find out.