McDonald’s has released an advert shining a light on the lives of the almost 3.2 million night-shift workers in the UK and Ireland, whose work often goes unnoticed. By championing these ‘unsung heroes’ with empathy and admiration, the fast-food brand taps into people’s desire for recognition and compassion.

As people across the UK struggle to make ends meet and new industries change the way we work, night-shift work is on the rise. But as more and more people sign up to work while the rest of us sleep, what impact are these socially inconvenient third-shift hours having on Britons’ lives?

Smart light switch system Orro aims to mimic the natural patterns of light and dark and aid sleepers regulate their circadian rhythms. With people more attuned to their bodies’ natural patterns, tech tools can help them attain the holy grail of modern life – a good night’s sleep.

How is COVID-19 shifting attitudes around exercise? What role can technology play in helping people manage chronic conditions? Why is health advice from celebrities quickly losing relevance? And how are circadian cycles both being disrupted and restored to normality?