If you're starting a new job, or for any other reason you need to "reset" your sleep cycle, there is an easy way you can do it. Don't eat for 12 straight hours. This discovery can drastically improve your ability to cope with jet lag or adjust to working late shifts.

Scientists have known for a long time that our circadian rhythm is regulated by our exposure to light. Now they have found a second "food clock" that takes over when we are hungry. This mechanism probably evolved to make sure starving mammals don't go to sleep when they should be searching for food.

For example, if you want to start waking up at 2:00 am in the morning, you should stop eating between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm the previous day. When you wake up at 2:00 am, eat a nice healthy meal to break your fast. Another example: If you are traveling from Los Angeles to Tokyo, figure out when breakfast is served in Tokyo, and don't eat for the 12-16 hours before Tokyo's breakfast time (via ParentingSquad).

This new timepiece enables animals to switch their sleep and wake schedules in order to maximize their opportunity of finding food. You can view the study at Science Friday.