A new study published this week shows for the first time that the human eye is sensitive to short wavelength visible light and transmits information to the body clock in a way that may make it possible to manipulate waking and sleeping rhythms. This new data, gained from a study carried out at the University of Surrey in the UK, might enable this type of light, which is dark blue in color, to be used to adjust the body clocks of shift workers, those affected by seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or of travelers on long haul flights, to avoid jet lag.
Debra Skene and colleagues at the Centre for Chronobiology of the School for Biomedical and Life Sciences at the University of Surrey demonstrated the existence of a novel non-rod, non-cone photoreceptor system in the human retina in their study of 22 subjects, who underwent 215 light exposure trials in total.
Those who took part showed enhanced melatonin suppression following blue light exposure which was not accounted for by the known visual photoreceptors in the human retina.
Speaking of the results, Dr. Skene said, "Our findings have exciting future applications, which we can imagine will be effective in the field of lighting for health. Some sections of the population have a particular need to adjust and manipulate their circadian axis, or body clocks, in order to be able to function more effectively during hours of the night when our body’s response is to tell us to sleep."
The University of Surrey is a forward looking, professional University. While it has gained widespread recognition in science and technology, it is a balanced institution with flourishing programs in dance and music, social sciences, management and languages and law. The University has a world class research profile and a reputation for excellence in teaching and learning.
(Reference: The Journal of Physiology 535.1, pp 261-267.)
[Contact: Dr. Debra Skene ]
21-Aug-2001
