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Disruption of Circadian Rhythms by Light During Day and Night

  • Circadian Rhythm Disorders (F Turek, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This study aims to discuss possible reasons why research to date has not forged direct links between light at night, acute melatonin suppression or circadian disruption, and risks for disease.

Recent Findings

Data suggest that irregular light–dark patterns or light exposures at the wrong circadian time can lead to circadian disruption and disease risks. However, there remains an urgent need to (1) specify light stimulus in terms of circadian rather than visual response; (2) when translating research from animals to humans, consider species-specific spectral and absolute sensitivities to light; (3) relate the characteristics of photometric measurement of light at night to the operational characteristics of the circadian system; and (4) examine how humans may be experiencing too little daytime light, not just too much light at night.

Summary

To understand the health effects light-induced circadian disruption, we need to measure and control light stimulus during the day and at night.

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Acknowledgments

This article was written with the support of a grant from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, No. R01OH010668.

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  1. Lighting Research Center, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, 12180, USA

    Mariana G. Figueiro

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  1. Mariana G. Figueiro
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Correspondence to Mariana G. Figueiro.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Circadian Rhythm Disorders

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Figueiro, M.G. Disruption of Circadian Rhythms by Light During Day and Night. Curr Sleep Medicine Rep 3, 76–84 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40675-017-0069-0

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