FAQ

General Information & Scientific Background

What is the science behind TimeTeller?

TimeTeller is based on chronobiology, an interdisciplinary field of research that focuses on circadian rhythms and their influence on molecular, cellular, and physiological processes. The development of TimeTeller builds on years of experimental and clinical research into time-dependent gene activity in humans. The TimeTeller test kit technology is based on peer-reviewed research in chronobiology and systems biology. It reflects your rhythm under real-life conditions at the time of testing. Relevant publications can be viewed here.

What does “internal clock” or circadian clock mean?

The circadian clock is a cellular molecular clock that generates the so-called circadian rhythms - a roughly 24-hour biological cycle. This clock regulates the timing of numerous physical processes. Circadian rhythms regulate key body functions, including sleep, energy levels, body temperature, and performance. They vary between individuals and influence when certain biological processes work best. This has an impact on health, treatment and performance, such as how well a person can mentally or physically perform or how effectively medication works.

What is the difference between chronotype and circadian rhythm?

The chronotype describes whether someone is more of a “morning person” or “evening person.” The circadian rhythm goes beyond that: it describes the actual temporal progression of molecular and biological processes in the body throughout the entire day.

Two persons with the same chronotype can still have different circadian rhythms, and thus, individual recommendations can be derived by analyzing the precise circadian rhythm.

Why is the circadian rhythm important?

A stable rhythm helps keep the body’s processes aligned. Disruptions (e.g. irregular sleep or shift work) can lead to fatigue, poor concentration, and sleep problems, and are linked to increased health risks. Chronic disruptions of the circadian rhythm such as those caused by long-term shift work are also associated with an increased risk of certain diseases, including cancer.

Can the circadian rhythm be influenced?

Yes. It can be adjusted through external factors such as light, sleep timing, activity, and nutrition. Such stimuli, may act as temporal cues referred to in science as “Zeitgeber” that can either strengthen or further destabilize the rhythm.

TimeTeller helps identify the best timing for these factors to support your rhythm.

Can the TimeTeller-Test also be used for medical conditions?

The circadian rhythm plays a role in many physiological and pathological processes, such as neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic disorders and psychological stress. Currently TimeTeller is also being used in different scientific projects in relation to various pathologies for research purposes. As more applications become available, these will be announced on our webpage and via our news page.

The Test

What is the TimeTeller-Test?

The TimeTeller-Test is a non-invasive saliva test that analyses your individual circadian rhythm and provides personalised recommendations for daily activities..This enables sleep, exercise, sport and exposure to daylight to be better timed in line with the body’s internal biological clock.

How does the TimeTeller-Test work?

You collect saliva samples at several times during the day. These are analysed using scientific models and AI-supported methods to create your individual rhythm profile.

What type of sample is required?

Saliva samples, collected easily at home using the provided kit.

Do I need to follow specific timing?

Yes. Ideally, four saliva samples are taken about four hours apart to accurately capture your circadian rhythm.

The recommended sampling procedure and exact time windows are described in the instructions for use (IFU) provided in the test kit.

Do I need to prepare for the test?

No special preparation is required. Choose a typical day that reflects your normal routine. The goal is to capture your circadian rhythm under realistic conditions.

What if I miss a sample or timing?

Try to follow the schedule as closely as possible. If timing varies, record the exact collection time so it can be considered in the analysis.

Can the test be interrupted or ended early?

Yes, but missing samples may limit or prevent analysis.

What should I do if I have trouble collecting enough saliva?

Contact support for assistance.

What if there is blood in the sample?

Avoid sampling if your gums are bleeding. Wait until normal conditions return or contact support.

Analysis & Results

How are samples analysed?

Samples are processed in certified laboratory conditions and evaluated using scientific models to determine your circadian rhythm. As soon as we receive the samples, you will receive a confirmation via email so that you remain informed of the status at all times.

What happens if a sample cannot be analyzed?

If a sample cannot be analyzed for technical reasons (e.g., insufficient quantity), we will inform you and discuss the next steps together.

What is measured?

The activity of specific genes over time, which reflects your biological clock.

How long does the analysis take?

Processing time may vary, depending, among other things, on the current volume of samples. You will be informed via email about the current processing status until your report is available.

Can medications affect the test results?

Yes. Results reflect your current living conditions, including medication.

If your medication and daily routine remain stable over a longer period, the result will accordingly remain stable and is representative of this life situation.

Do the menstrual cycle, or pregnancy affect the result?

Hormonal changes can influence biological processes. TimeTeller measures your circadian rhythm under your current living conditions—including hormonal factors. The result thus reflects your individual situation at the time of measurement.

Where can I view the results?

In your secure personal TimeTeller online portal. Access is restricted to you and is provided via a secure connection.

Results & Interpretation

What do the results show?

Your individual circadian rhythm and when certain activities (e.g. sleep, exercise, light exposure) are most suitable. The analysis reflects your rhythm under the conditions at the time of measurement.

How should I use the results?

They are a guide to help you align daily routines with your biological rhythm. They are not medical advice. The results are not a substitute for medical advice.

Are the recommendations personalized?

Yes. They are based on your individual rhythm and may differ between individuals.

Can I repeat the test?

Yes. Repeating the test is useful if your lifestyle changes or for regular monitoring (e.g. annually).

Can results change over time?

Yes. The circadian rhythm can shift due to lifestyle, work, or environmental changes.

Does TimeTeller replace medical advice?

No. It does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. The test provides information about your individual circadian rhythm and can help you better understand your own daily rhythm. If you have health concerns or medical questions, you should seek medical advice.

Is TimeTeller useful for optimizing athletic performance?

Yes. The circadian rhythm influences performance and recovery. TimeTeller provides a general indication for optimal times for endurance and strength sports, but it is not a substitute for advice from sports medicine professionals, it should rather be used as complementary.

What does it mean if the result does not match your own subjective experience?

TimeTeller is intended as a guide. Recommendations should be used flexibly and in harmony with your daily life. Subjective experience and biological measurements may differ. The TimeTeller test reflects your measured biological patterns of the circadian rhythm.

The result thus shows your biological measurements at the time of sample collection. The recommendations in the report aim to stabilize and support your individual circadian rhythm.

Practical & Support

How do I access the TimeTeller portal?

Once you have completed registration, you will be able to access to your personal TimeTeller portal. Your login credentials will be sent to you via email. You can later view your results through the portal.

Can I change my user data in the portal?

Yes. You can make corrections to your profile information at any time via our website.

What should I do if I don’t receive an email with my login credentials?

Please first check your spam or junk folder of the same email address you provided during registration. If you still do not receive a message, please contact our support team via our e-mail: support@timeteller-health.com.

What should I do if I can't access my account?

If you're having trouble accessing your account, our support team will be happy to help. You can reach support using the contact information provided on the website or via our e-mail: support@timeteller-health.com.

What are the technical requirements?

You need an internet-enabled device, such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone. In addition, a modern web browser is recommended to use all features of the portal. No additional specialized software or technical knowledge is required.

Scientific & Company Information

Who developed TimeTeller?

TimeTeller GmbH is a spin-off from Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin and is based on research by Prof. Dr. Angela Relógio, later CEO and founder, and her team. Before company establishment, the project was funded by programmes run by the Charité Foundation and the Berlin Institute of Health, among others.

The regulatory path and resulting certifications have been developed by Dr. Benjamin Dose, COO and co-founder. TimeTeller GmbH has received numerous awards for its scientific and innovative approach and has been supported by renowned funding programmes. These include the Hamburg Start-up Award,the German Start-up Award, the Women TechEU and the Deutsche Gründerpreis.

Is TimeTeller still being developed?

Yes. TimeTeller is continuously improved through ongoing research in chronobiology and related fields.

Can TimeTeller be used in research or collaborations?

Yes, within defined studies or partnerships. Please contact us via the website.

Data Protection

How is my data handled?

Personal data is stored and processed in accordance with applicable data protection laws. Access is restricted and data is handled securely, including pseudonymisation during analysis.

What happens to my samples?

Samples are processed according to legal and safety standards. Any further use is strictly regulated by consent and data protection policies.Detailed information can be found in our Data Policy.

contact

If you couldn’t find the information you were looking for in our FAQ, feel free to reach out to us directly. Whether you have questions about the TimeTeller test, your results, ordering, or general inquiries — our team is happy to assist you.

Simply fill out the contact form below, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

*Pflichtfeld