Lack of short-wavelength light during the school day delays dim light melatonin onset (DLMO) in middle school students.

DLMO was significantly delayed by 30 minutes after five days of wearing orange glasses that blocked short-wavelength light.

• Removal of short-wavelength light in the morning hours is associated with a delay in the onset of melatonin in adolescents.
• The findings indicate that exposure to short-wavelength light during the day may play a crucial role in regulating circadian rhythms.
• This research provides evidence that the effects observed in controlled laboratory settings also apply in real-world school environments.
• The study highlights potential implications for lighting practices in schools to support better sleep patterns in students.

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