Optimizing Light Flash Sequence Duration to Shift Human Circadian Phase
Article
Article Title | Optimizing Light Flash Sequence Duration to Shift Human Circadian Phase |
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ERA Journal ID | 210193 |
Article Category | Article |
Authors | Joyce, Daniel S., Spitschan, Manuel and Zeitzer, Jamie M. |
Journal Title | Biology |
Journal Citation | 11 (12), pp. 1-10 |
Article Number | 1807 |
Number of Pages | 10 |
Year | 2022 |
Publisher | MDPI AG |
Place of Publication | Switzerland |
ISSN | 2079-7737 |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11121807 |
Web Address (URL) | https://www.mdpi.com/2079-7737/11/12/1807 |
Abstract | Unlike light input for forming images, non-image-forming retinal pathways are optimized to convey information about the total light environment, integrating this information over time and space. In a variety of species, discontinuous light sequences (flashes) can be effective stimuli, notably impacting circadian entrainment. In this study, we examined the extent to which this temporal integration can occur. A group of healthy, young (n = 20) individuals took part in a series of 16-day protocols in which we examined the impact of different lengths of light flash sequences on circadian timing. We find a significant phase change of −0.70 h in response to flashes that did not differ by duration; a 15-min sequence could engender as much change in circadian timing as 3.5-h sequences. Acute suppression of melatonin was also observed during short (15-min) exposures, but not in exposures over one hour in length. Our data are consistent with the theory that responses to light flashes are mediated by the extrinsic, rod/cone pathway, and saturate the response of this pathway within 15 min. Further excitation leads to no greater change in circadian timing and an inability to acutely suppress melatonin, indicating that this pathway may be in a refractory state following this brief light stimulation. |
Keywords | circadian rhythm; light; melatonin; sleep; dim light melatonin onset; flash |
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 520406. Sensory processes, perception and performance |
321204. Vision science | |
Byline Affiliations | Stanford University, United States |
University of Nevada, United States | |
School of Psychology and Wellbeing | |
Technical University of Munich, Germany | |
VA Palo Alto Health Care System, United States |
https://research.usq.edu.au/item/w3v2y/optimizing-light-flash-sequence-duration-to-shift-human-circadian-phase
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