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The concept of having a \u201cbody clock\u201d is a familiar one, but less widespread is the awareness that our body contains several biological clocks. Understanding their whims and functions may help us optimize our lives and lead to better overall health, according to scientists.\n\nEvery physiological system is represented by a clock, from the liver to the lungs, and each one is synced \u201cto the central clock in the brain like an orchestra section following its conductor,\u201d writes Kim Tingley, a New York Times journalist who explored the effect this knowledge has on how conditions are treated, and spoke to scientists about how misalignment or deregulation of these clocks can have a profound effect on our health.\n\nExploring the components that dictate our lives, and how they work together like the \u201cgears in a mechanical watch,\u201d Ms. Tingley builds a case for the importance of paying attention to all our circadian rhythms \u2014 and not just when it comes to monitoring our sleep.