Distinct feedback actions of behavioural arousal to the master circadian clock in nocturnal and diurnal mammals

•Behavioural arousal affects circadian rhythms in mammals by its feedback action on the master clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN).•In nocturnal animal, arousing stimuli in the middle of the rest period induces a phase advance and attenuate light-induced phase-shifts.•The feedback of behavioural arousal to the SCN utilizes a network of connections involving several brain nuclei and neurotransmitters.•Different responses to behavioural arousal between diurnal and nocturnal species, indicates distinct circadian windows of sensitivity to arousal.•It is imperative to understand this disparity before addressing the question of therapeutic interventions to repair circadian misalignments.