NONFICTION - Nov. 6, 1994

BODYRHYTHMS: Chronobiology and Peak Performance by Lynne Lamberg (Morrow: $25; 274 pp.) Chronobiology, or the study of how the body functions at various times of day, is a relatively new science. It is believed that most people are physiologically programmed to be on a schedule geared toward working during the day and sleeping at night. According to “Bodyrhythms,” Lynne Lamberg’s friendly yet plodding examination of the subject, the impaired abilities of employees working against their on natural body clocks have been implicated in many terrible accidents, including the Exxon Valdez.

“Bodyrhythms” goes on to explore ways one can use their own body clock to help various ailments, from jet lag to cancer. For example, studies have shown that cancer cells reproduce more rapidly at certain times of day, perhaps allowing medications to have a greater effect, since cells are more vulnerable while they are dividing. Another interesting area Lamberg touches on is depression. There are large deviations in the sleep patterns of clinically depressed people, and research has shown that radically changing the hours one sleeps may actually improve symptoms.

Despite some intriguing information, “Bodyrhythms” is something of a chore to read. Lamberg is clearly enthusiastic about her topic, yet lacks the real sense for language that makes a book come alive. There is also a problem of genre. “Bodyrhythms” lies in a kind of purgatory between self-help and science, so that some areas are a little silly, for example, a questionnaire to determine if you are a “lark” or an “owl,” while other sections are quite technical.