diff --git a/.env.example b/.env.example
index b686c9e..5a6f6ee 100644
--- a/.env.example
+++ b/.env.example
@@ -4,6 +4,9 @@
 # .env is gitignored and holds your secrets. docker compose reads it automatically.
 
 # REQUIRED
+# Container timezone — the sleep schedule uses this clock. Find yours at
+# https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_tz_database_time_zones
+TZ=Australia/Melbourne
 IMMICH_URL=http://your-immich-server:2283
 IMMICH_API_KEY=your-api-key-here