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Circadian rhythms are involved in the regulation of many aspects of the body, including cell function, physical activity and disease. Circadian disturbance often predates the typical symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases and is not only a non-motor symptom, but also one of the causes of their occurrence and progression. Glial cells possess circadian clocks that regulate their function to maintain brain development and homeostasis. Emerging evidence suggests that the microglial circadian clock is involved in the regulation of many physiological processes, such as cytokine release, phagocytosis, and nutritional and metabolic support, and that disruption of the microglia clock may affect multiple aspects of Parkinson's disease, especially neuroinflammation and α-synuclein processes. Herein, we review recent advances in the circadian control of microglia function in health and disease, and discuss novel pharmacological interventions for microglial clocks in neurodegenerative disorders. • Circadian disturbance is not only a non-motor symptom, but also a vital risk factor for the occurrence and development of PD. • Circadian rhythm modulates microglia phagocytosis, metabolism and cytokine release under physiological conditions. • Microglia circadian disturbance affects oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, proteostasis and mitochondria dysfunction. • Circadian regulation is a potential direction for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and requires further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]