Short Nights Attenuate Light-Induced Circadian Phase Advances in Humans -- Burgess and Eastman 90 (8): 4437 -- Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Met
Short Nights Attenuate Light-Induced Circadian Phase Advances in Humans -- Burgess and Eastman 90 (8): 4437 -- Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism
Abstract
Context: In humans, sleep duration often determines the night (dark) length experienced, because we close our eyes when we sleep and are exposed to artificial or natural light when we are awake. Although it is recognized that there is an increasing trend in modern society toward shorter sleep time, it is not known how short nights (long photoperiods) affect the human circadian system.
Objective: In this study we investigated for the first time the effects of night length on circadian phase shifts to light in humans.
[....]
Conclusions: This result shows for the first time that people who curtail their sleep may unwittingly reduce their circadian responsiveness to morning light. This finding also demonstrates that sleep length can alter human circadian function and has important implications for enhancing the treatment of circadian rhythm sleep disorders.
Abstract
Context: In humans, sleep duration often determines the night (dark) length experienced, because we close our eyes when we sleep and are exposed to artificial or natural light when we are awake. Although it is recognized that there is an increasing trend in modern society toward shorter sleep time, it is not known how short nights (long photoperiods) affect the human circadian system.
Objective: In this study we investigated for the first time the effects of night length on circadian phase shifts to light in humans.
[....]
Conclusions: This result shows for the first time that people who curtail their sleep may unwittingly reduce their circadian responsiveness to morning light. This finding also demonstrates that sleep length can alter human circadian function and has important implications for enhancing the treatment of circadian rhythm sleep disorders.
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