Seasonal Variation in the Responsiveness of the Melanopsin System to Evening Light: Why We Should Report Season When Collecting Data in Human Sleep and Circadian Studies.

ABSTRACT: It is well known that variations in light exposure during the day affect light sensitivity in the evening. More daylight reduces sensitivity, and less daylight increases it. On average days, we spend less time outdoors in winter and receive far less light than in summer. Therefore, it could be relevant when collecting research data on the non-image forming (NIF) effects of light on circadian rhythms and sleep. In fact, studies conducted only in winter may result in more pronounced NIF effects than in summer. Here, we systematically collected information on the extent to which studies on the NIF effects of evening light include information on season and/or light history. We found that more studies were conducted in winter than in summer and that reporting when a study was conducted or measu

SUBMITTER: Schollhorn I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10660855 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature