Blocking Low-Wavelength Light Prevents Nocturnal Melatonin Suppression with No Adverse Effect on Performance during Simulated Shift Work -- Kayumov et
Blocking Low-Wavelength Light Prevents Nocturnal Melatonin Suppression with No Adverse Effect on Performance during Simulated Shift Work -- Kayumov et al. 90 (5): 2755 -- Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism
Decreases in melatonin production in human and animals are known to be caused by environmental lighting, especially short-wavelength lighting (between 470 and 525 nm). We investigated the novel hypothesis that the use of goggles with selective exclusion of all wavelengths less than 530 nm could prevent the suppression of melatonin in bright-light conditions during a simulated shift-work experiment. Salivary melatonin levels were measured under dim (<5 lux), bright (800 lux), and filtered (800 lux) light at hourly intervals between 2000 and 0800 h in 11 healthy young males and eight females (mean age, 24.7 ± 4.6 yr). The measurements were performed during three nonconsecutive nights over a 2-wk period. Subjective sleepiness was measured by self-report scales, whereas objective performance was assessed with the Continuous Performance Test. All subjects demonstrated preserved melatonin levels in filtered light similar to their dim-light secretion profile. Unfiltered bright light drastically suppressed melatonin production. Normalization of endogenous melatonin production while wearing goggles did not impair measures of performance, subjective sleepiness, or alertness.
I am experimenting with wearing red tinted sunglasses before bed in the evening. I also set my default firefox colors to red. Supposedly candles emit red light as well. I used to meditate while focusing on a candle and found it more relaxing then just meditating. I also used to use just candle light before sleeping and found that made me sleepy. The computer monitor is a blue light, as is TV. Both of these keep people up at night. The blue light stimulates the creation of dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter associated with reward. Is that what makes the internet addictive?
Decreases in melatonin production in human and animals are known to be caused by environmental lighting, especially short-wavelength lighting (between 470 and 525 nm). We investigated the novel hypothesis that the use of goggles with selective exclusion of all wavelengths less than 530 nm could prevent the suppression of melatonin in bright-light conditions during a simulated shift-work experiment. Salivary melatonin levels were measured under dim (<5 lux), bright (800 lux), and filtered (800 lux) light at hourly intervals between 2000 and 0800 h in 11 healthy young males and eight females (mean age, 24.7 ± 4.6 yr). The measurements were performed during three nonconsecutive nights over a 2-wk period. Subjective sleepiness was measured by self-report scales, whereas objective performance was assessed with the Continuous Performance Test. All subjects demonstrated preserved melatonin levels in filtered light similar to their dim-light secretion profile. Unfiltered bright light drastically suppressed melatonin production. Normalization of endogenous melatonin production while wearing goggles did not impair measures of performance, subjective sleepiness, or alertness.
I am experimenting with wearing red tinted sunglasses before bed in the evening. I also set my default firefox colors to red. Supposedly candles emit red light as well. I used to meditate while focusing on a candle and found it more relaxing then just meditating. I also used to use just candle light before sleeping and found that made me sleepy. The computer monitor is a blue light, as is TV. Both of these keep people up at night. The blue light stimulates the creation of dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter associated with reward. Is that what makes the internet addictive?
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