The Italian Cultural Institute of Miami continues its series of events dedicated to research by Italian scientists active in Florida and across the United States. The next event is scheduled for Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 6:30 PM at the Coral Gables location, and will feature Professor David Benavides, faculty at Harvard Medical School and a specialist in Sleep Medicine.
At the center of the lecture, titled Better Timing, Better Days: How Your Biological Clock Influences Sleep, Energy, and Health, is the topic of circadian rhythms: why do some people perform better in the morning while others find their energy at night? And why, despite a full night’s sleep, can one still feel out of sync? According to Benavides, the answer is not just about how much you sleep, but when you sleep.
The talk offers a clear and practical overview of how the internal biological clock works, regulating sleep, energy levels, mood, metabolism, and daily performance. It explores the differences between “larks” and “owls,” the impact of modern habits and screen exposure, and how these factors can disrupt the body’s natural rhythms.
Significant attention is also given to practical strategies for restoring balance: from light exposure to meal timing and physical activity. The approach focuses on small daily changes, without relying on supplements or devices, but instead on a more mindful management of time.
Prof. Benavides is faculty at Harvard Medical School and a Sleep Medicine specialist with dual certification in the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders at Mass General Brigham. He is recognized by the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine and focuses on evidence-based strategies to improve cognitive performance, metabolic health, cardiovascular well-being, and overall vitality. His work has been featured by the Heart Rhythm Society and in Time, Newsweek, and U.S. News & World Report.