Sensitivity of the human circadian pacemaker to nocturnal light: melatonin phase resetting and suppression

Aug 2, 2000The Journal of physiology

How night-time light affects the body's internal clock by changing melatonin timing and levels

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Abstract

Ocular exposure to light during the early biological night can significantly advance the human circadian pacemaker.

  • Light exposure has a non-linear relationship with its intensity in influencing the circadian pacemaker.
  • The study involved 23 healthy young volunteers and examined a single light exposure lasting 6.5 hours.
  • Both the phase-delaying effects of light and its suppressive effects on plasma melatonin follow a logistic dose-response curve.
  • Approximately 1% of the light intensity of bright light (around 9000 lux) can elicit half of the maximal phase-delaying response.
  • Dim room light (approximately 100 lux) can significantly affect plasma melatonin levels and the timing of the circadian rhythm.

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