Let there be blue-depleted light: in-patient dark therapy, circadian rhythms and length of stay

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Scott ◽  
Knut Langsrud ◽  
Ingunn Ro Goulding ◽  
Havard Kallestad
Keyword(s):  
Circadian Rhythms ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Light Exposure ◽  
Environmental Influence ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
Circadian System ◽  
Temporal Organization ◽  
Night Time ◽  
Inpatient Psychiatric Care ◽  
The Impact

SUMMARY Light is the most important environmental influence (zeitgeber) on the synchronization of the circadian system in humans. Excess light exposure during the evening and night-time affects secretion of the hormone melatonin, which in turn modifies the temporal organization of circadian rhythms, including the sleep–wake cycle. As sleep disturbances are prominent in critically ill medical and psychiatric patients, researchers began to examine the impact of light exposure on clinical outcomes and length of hospitalization. In psychiatric inpatients, exposure to bright morning light or use of blue blocking glasses have proved useful interventions for mood disorders. Recently, knowledge about light and the circadian system has been applied to the design of inpatient facilities with dynamic lighting systems that change according to time of day. The installation of ‘circadian lighting’ alongside technologies for monitoring sleep–wake patterns could prove to be one of the most practical and beneficial innovations in inpatient psychiatric care for more than half a century.

scholarly journals Characterizing the modern light environment and its influence on circadian rhythms

2021 ◽  
Vol 288 (1955) ◽  
pp. 20210721
Author(s):  
Dennis Khodasevich ◽  
Susan Tsui ◽  
Darwin Keung ◽  
Debra J. Skene ◽  
Victoria Revell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Circadian Rhythms ◽  
Light Exposure ◽  
Circadian Disruption ◽  
Light Sources ◽  
Night Time ◽  
Circadian Phase ◽  
Temperature Rhythm ◽  
Four Seasons ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact

Humans have largely supplanted natural light cycles with a variety of electric light sources and schedules misaligned with day-night cycles. Circadian disruption has been linked to a number of disease processes, but the extent of circadian disruption among the population is unknown. In this study, we measured light exposure and wrist temperature among residents of an urban area during each of the four seasons, as well as light illuminance in nearby outdoor locations. Daily light exposure was significantly lower for individuals, compared to outdoor light sensors, across all four seasons. There was also little seasonal variation in the realized photoperiod experienced by individuals, with the only significant difference occurring between winter and summer. We tested the hypothesis that differential light exposure impacts circadian phase timing, detected via the wrist temperature rhythm. To determine the influence of light exposure on circadian rhythms, we modelled the impact of morning and night-time light exposure on the timing of the maximum wrist temperature. We found that morning and night-time light exposure had significant but opposing impacts on maximum wrist temperature timing. Our results demonstrate that, within the range of exposure seen in everyday life, night-time light can delay the onset of the maximum wrist temperature, while morning light can lead to earlier onset. Our results demonstrate that humans are minimizing natural seasonal differences in light exposure, and that circadian shifts and disruptions may be a more regular occurrence in the general population than is currently recognized.

Light-induced suppression of the rat circadian system

1995 ◽  
Vol 268 (5) ◽  
pp. R1111-R1116 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Depres-Brummer ◽  
F. Levi ◽  
G. Metzger ◽  
Y. Touitou
Keyword(s):  
Locomotor Activity ◽  
Body Temperature ◽  
Circadian Rhythms ◽  
Prolonged Exposure ◽  
Light Exposure ◽  
Continuous Light ◽  
Circadian System ◽  
Short Exposure ◽  
Complete Suppression ◽  
Continuous Darkness

In a constant environment, circadian rhythms persist with slightly altered period lengths. Results of studies with continuous light exposure are less clear, because of short exposure durations and single-variable monitoring. This study sought to characterize properties of the oscillator(s) controlling the rat's circadian system by monitoring both body temperature and locomotor activity. We observed that prolonged exposure of male Sprague-Dawley rats to continuous light (LL) systematically induced complete suppression of body temperature and locomotor activity circadian rhythms and their replacement by ultradian rhythms. This was preceded by a transient loss of coupling between both functions. Continuous darkness (DD) restored circadian synchronization of temperature and activity circadian rhythms within 1 wk. The absence of circadian rhythms in LL coincided with a mean sixfold decrease in plasma melatonin and a marked dampening but no abolition of its circadian rhythmicity. Restoration of temperature and activity circadian rhythms in DD was associated with normalization of melatonin rhythm. These results demonstrated a transient internal desynchronization of two simultaneously monitored functions in the rat and suggested the existence of two or more circadian oscillators. Such a hypothesis was further strengthened by the observation of a circadian rhythm in melatonin, despite complete suppression of body temperature and locomotor activity rhythms. This rat model should be useful for investigating the physiology of the circadian timing system as well as to identify agents and schedules having specific pharmacological actions on this system.

scholarly journals Characteristics of Marine Recreational Fishing in the anakkale Strait (Turkey)

2010 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 315 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. UNAL ◽  
D. ACARLI ◽  
A. GORDOA
Keyword(s):  
Time Of Day ◽  
Recreational Fishing ◽  
Commercial Fishing ◽  
Catch Per Unit Effort ◽  
Pomatomus Saltatrix ◽  
Night Time ◽  
Policy Information ◽  
Surveillance Programs ◽  
Catch Composition ◽  
The Impact

The economic and harvest impacts of Marine Recreational Fishing (MRF) in Çanakkale Strait were analysed along with fishing policy, sociology and habits of fishers. Data sources included field survey data carried out along the entire length of the Çanakkale strait and policy information gathered from published sources. MRF policy is commendable, even in the fishing tourism sector, and is better developed than that in many other European countries. In Çanakkale, 9.9% of the population is recreational fishers. Recreational fishers are typically men (90%), primarily those between the ages of 25 and 49 yrs. The occupation of the recreational fishers ranged from self-employed (28%), students (28%), retired persons (22%) and public employees (15%), to currently-unemployed persons (7%). An analysis of diel behaviour showed that most recreational fishers preferred fishing during the day (56.1%), while the evening was the next most preferred time for fishing (18%), followed by the night-time (9.8%), while a substantial number of recreational fishers (16.1%) reported that they fished at any time of day. The most popular type of fishing was shore-based (68%), followed by boat-based (21%), and underwater fishing (11%). The mean daily fishing times were 6.07 h d-1, 6.18 h d-1 4.75 d-1 for boat-based, underwater and shore-based fishing, respectively. Summer and autumn were the preferred seasons for shore-based and underwater fishing, while autumn and winter were preferred for boat-based fishing. The highest Catch per Unit Effort (CPUE) was observed for boat-based fishing (2.77 kg h-1), followed by underwater (0.97 kg h-1) and shore-based fishing (0.81 kg h-1). The catch composition included 51 species, though the catch composition of each fishing type was mostly comprised of only 3 or 4 species. The impact of the MRF harvest was high (30% of commercial fishing), particularly for bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) and picarel (Spicara smaris) species. The economic impact of MRF was highly negative. Several indicators including the following revealed a high percentage of trading catch (47%) being conducted under the guise of a recreational label: annual fishing intensity, total costs, target species, and sales. At present, it is evident that the highly developed recreational fishing policy in Turkey is not sufficient to ensure that recreational fishing is sustainable or to prevent fishing conflicts in Turkey. This study revealed the need for establishing monitoring, control and surveillance programs to ensure the sustainability of fish resources and fisheries including MRF.

scholarly journals DREAMS-START (Dementia RElAted Manual for Sleep; STrAtegies for RelaTives) for people with dementia and sleep disturbances: a single-blind feasibility and acceptability randomized controlled trial

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 251-265 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gill Livingston ◽  
Julie A. Barber ◽  
Kirsi M. Kinnunen ◽  
Lucy Webster ◽  
Simon D. Kyle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Disorders ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Light Exposure ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Pharmacological Therapy ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Night Time ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Single Blind

ABSTRACTBackground:40% of people with dementia have disturbed sleep but there are currently no known effective treatments. Studies of sleep hygiene and light therapy have not been powered to indicate feasibility and acceptability and have shown 40–50% retention. We tested the feasibility and acceptability of a six-session manualized evidence-based non-pharmacological therapy; Dementia RElAted Manual for Sleep; STrAtegies for RelaTives (DREAMS-START) for sleep disturbance in people with dementia.Methods:We conducted a parallel, two-armed, single-blind randomized trial and randomized 2:1 to intervention: Treatment as Usual. Eligible participants had dementia and sleep disturbances (scoring ≥4 on one Sleep Disorders Inventory item) and a family carer and were recruited from two London memory services and Join Dementia Research. Participants wore an actiwatch for two weeks pre-randomization. Trained, clinically supervised psychology graduates delivered DREAMS-START to carers randomized to intervention; covering Understanding sleep and dementia; Making a plan (incorporating actiwatch information, light exposure using a light box); Daytime activity and routine; Difficult night-time behaviors; Taking care of your own (carer's) sleep; and What works? Strategies for the future. Carers kept their manual, light box, and relaxation recordings post-intervention. Outcome assessment was masked to allocation. The co-primary outcomes were feasibility (≥50% eligible people consenting to the study) and acceptability (≥75% of intervention group attending ≥4 intervention sessions).Results:In total, 63out of 95 (66%; 95% CI: 56–76%) eligible referrals consented between 04/08/2016 and 24/03/2017; 62 (65%; 95% CI: 55–75%) were randomized, and 37 out of 42 (88%; 95% CI: 75–96%) adhered to the intervention.Conclusions:DREAM-START for sleep disorders in dementia is feasible and acceptable.

Biological Rhythmicity in Preterm Infants Prior to Discharge From Neonatal Intensive Care

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1995 ◽  
Vol 95 (2) ◽  
pp. 231-237
Author(s):  
Steven F. Glotzbach ◽  
Dale M. Edgar ◽  
Ronald L. Ariagno
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Preterm Infants ◽  
Rectal Temperature ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
Circadian System ◽  
Physiological Variables ◽  
Postconceptional Age ◽  
The Impact

Objective. The study of biological rhythms and the influence of environmental factors in the timing and synchronization of different rhythmic events have important implications for neonatal health. Preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are deprived of the patterned influences of maternal sleep, temperature, heart rate, and hormonal cycles. The impact of the NICU and nursing interventions on the development of the circadian system was studied in 17 stable preterm infants in the Intermediate Intensive Care Nursery at Stanford University for three consecutive days at about 35 weeks postconceptional age. Outcome measurements. Rectal temperature, abdominal skin temperature, heart rate, and activity were simultaneously recorded at 2-minute intervals during each 3-day study by a small microcomputer (Vitalog). Results. Very low amplitude circadian rhythms were found for rectal and skin temperatures (maximum range 36.8 to 37.0°C); population mean values for heart rate (158 bpm) and activity (3.5 counts per 2-min bin) did not differ significantly as a function of time of day. Rectal temperature, averaged in 6-hour bins over the 24-hour day as a function of both postconceptional age and postnatal age, was significantly higher during the first part of the circadian cycle. In all infants, rhythmicity in each variable was dominated by ultradian periodicities that were coincident with feedings and related interventions; moreover, several physiological variables charted during feeding differed significantly from values obtained during periods in which caregiving interventions did not occur. Conclusion. Quantitative data on the preterm infant circadian system may facilitate evaluation of factors that improve therapeutic responses, recovery, and outcome of neonatal intensive care patients.

scholarly journals The Impact of Time of Day on Energy Expenditure: Implications for Long-Term Energy Balance

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 2383 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaw ◽  
Leung ◽  
Jong ◽  
Coates ◽  
Davis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Balance ◽  
Energy Expenditure ◽  
Energy Intake ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
Circadian System ◽  
The Body ◽  
Energy Regulation ◽  
Meal Timing ◽  
The Impact

There is evidence to indicate that the central biological clock (i.e., our endogenous circadian system) plays a role in physiological processes in the body that impact energy regulation and metabolism. Cross-sectional data suggest that energy consumption later in the day and during the night is associated with weight gain. These findings have led to speculation that when, as well as what, we eat may be important for maintaining energy balance. Emerging literature suggests that prioritising energy intake to earlier during the day may help with body weight maintenance. Evidence from tightly controlled acute experimental studies indicates a disparity in the body’s ability to utilise (expend) energy equally across the day and night. Energy expenditure both at rest (resting metabolic rate) and after eating (thermic effect of food) is typically more efficient earlier during the day. In this review, we discuss the key evidence for a circadian pattern in energy utilisation and balance, which depends on meal timing. Whilst there is limited evidence that simply prioritising energy intake to earlier in the day is an effective strategy for weight loss, we highlight the potential benefits of considering the role of meal timing for improving metabolic health and energy balance. This review demonstrates that to advance our understanding of the contribution of the endogenous circadian system toward energy balance, targeted studies that utilise appropriate methodologies are required that focus on meal timing and frequency.

scholarly journals Circadian Clock and The Cardiometabolic Risk

2010 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 16
Author(s):  
Anna Meiliana ◽  
Andi Wijaya
Keyword(s):  
Circadian Rhythms ◽  
Cardiometabolic Risk ◽  
Clock Genes ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Circadian System ◽  
Temporal Organization ◽  
Liver Fat ◽  
Peripheral Tissues ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Rotation Of The Earth

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological data reveal parallel trends of decreasing sleep duration and increases in metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension. There is growing evidence that these trends are mechanistically related.CONTENT: The circadian system orchestrates the temporal organization of many aspects of physiology, including metabolism, in synchrony with the 24 hours rotation of the Earth. The circadian system is a complex feedback network that involves interactions between the central nervous system and peripheral tissues. Circadian regulation is intimately linked to metabolic homeostasis and that dysregulation of circadian rhythms can contribute to disease. Conversely, metabolic signals also feed back into the circadian system, modulating circadian gene expression and behavior.SUMMARY: Both inter- and intraorgan desynchrony may be involved in the pathogenesis of cardiometabolic disease attributable to effects in brain and multiple metabolic tissues including heart, liver, fat, muscle, pancreas and gut. Efforts to dissect the molecular mediators that coordinate circadian, metabolic, and cardiovascular systems may ultimately lead to both improved therapeutics and preventive interventions.KEYWORDS: circadian rhythms, clock genes, nuclear receptor, sleep, obesity, cardiometabolic risk

scholarly journals Evaluation of Cardiac Circadian Rhythm Deconditioning Induced by 5-to-60 Days of Head-Down Bed Rest

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Solbiati ◽  
Alba Martin-Yebra ◽  
Pierre Vaïda ◽  
Enrico G. Caiani
Keyword(s):  
Circadian Rhythms ◽  
Recovery Period ◽  
Oscillation Amplitude ◽  
Bed Rest ◽  
Heart Beat ◽  
Night Time ◽  
Mission Success ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Orthostatic Position ◽  
The Impact

Head-down tilt (HDT) bed rest elicits changes in cardiac circadian rhythms, generating possible adverse health outcomes such as increased arrhythmic risk. Our aim was to study the impact of HDT duration on the circadian rhythms of heart beat (RR) and ventricular repolarization (QTend) duration intervals from 24-h Holter ECG recordings acquired in 63 subjects during six different HDT bed rest campaigns of different duration (two 5-day, two 21-day, and two 60-day). Circadian rhythms of RR and QTend intervals series were evaluated by Cosinor analysis, resulting in a value of midline (MESOR), oscillation amplitude (OA) and acrophase (φ). In addition, the QTc (with Bazett correction) was computed, and day-time, night-time, maximum and minimum RR, QTend and QTc intervals were calculated. Statistical analysis was conducted, comparing: (1) the effects at 5 (HDT5), 21 (HDT21) and 58 (HDT58) days of HDT with baseline (PRE); (2) trends in recovery period at post-HDT epochs (R) in 5-day, 21-day, and 60-day HDT separately vs. PRE; (3) differences at R + 0 due to bed rest duration; (4) changes between the last HDT acquisition and the respective R + 0 in 5-day, 21-day, and 60-day HDT. During HDT, major changes were observed at HDT5, with increased RR and QTend intervals’ MESOR, mostly related to day-time lengthening and increased minima, while the QTc shortened. Afterward, a progressive trend toward baseline values was observed with HDT progression. Additionally, the φ anticipated, and the OA was reduced during HDT, decreasing system’s ability to react to incoming stimuli. Consequently, the restoration of the orthostatic position elicited the shortening of RR and QTend intervals together with QTc prolongation, notwithstanding the period spent in HDT. However, the magnitude of post-HDT changes, as well as the difference between the last HDT day and R + 0, showed a trend to increase with increasing HDT duration, and 5/7 days were not sufficient for recovering after 60-day HDT. Additionally, the φ postponed and the OA significantly increased at R + 0 compared to PRE after 5-day and 60-day HDT, possibly increasing the arrhythmic risk. These results provide evidence that continuous monitoring of astronauts’ circadian rhythms, and further investigations on possible measures for counteracting the observed modifications, will be key for future missions including long periods of weightlessness and gravity transitions, for preserving astronauts’ health and mission success.

scholarly journals Characterizing the Modern Light Environment and its Influence on Circadian Rhythms

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dennis Khodasevich ◽  
Susan Tsui ◽  
Darwin Keung ◽  
Debra J. Skene ◽  
Micaela E. Martinez
Keyword(s):  
Seasonal Variation ◽  
Circadian Rhythms ◽  
General Population ◽  
Light Exposure ◽  
Circadian Disruption ◽  
Natural Light ◽  
Light Sources ◽  
Four Seasons ◽  
Nighttime Light ◽  
The Impact

AbstractHumans have largely supplanted natural light cycles with a variety of artificial light sources and schedules misaligned with day-night cycles. Circadian disruption has been linked to a number of disease processes, but the extent of circadian disruption among the population is unknown. We measured light exposure and wrist temperature among residents of New York City for a full week during each of the four seasons, as well as light illuminance in nearby outdoor locations. Daily light exposure was significantly lower for individuals, compared to outdoor light sensors, for all four seasons. There was also little seasonal variation in the realized photoperiod experienced by individuals, with the only significant difference between winter and summer. We tested the hypothesis that differential light exposure impacts circadian phase timing, detected via the wrist temperature rhythm. To determine the influence of light exposure on circadian rhythms, we modeled the impact of morning, afternoon, and nighttime light exposure on the timing of the midline-estimating statistic of rhythm (MESOR). We found that morning light exposure and nighttime light exposure had a significant but opposing impact on MESOR timing. Our results demonstrate that nighttime light can shift/alter circadian rhythms to delay the morning transition from nighttime to daytime physiology, while morning light can lead to earlier onset. Our results demonstrate that circadian shifts and disruptions may be a more regular occurrence in the general population than is currently recognized. Due to the impact of circadian rhythms on health, this is convincing evidence that real-world monitoring of light exposure and circadian rhythms could lead to new advances in personalized medicine.Significance StatementDisruption of circadian rhythms has been linked to various diseases, but the prevalence of circadian disruption among the general population is unknown. Light plays a pivotal role in entraining circadian rhythms to the 24-hour day. Humans have largely supplanted natural light cycles with a variety of electric light sources and by spending large amounts of time indoors. We have shown that individuals experience a pronounced disconnect from natural light cycles. This disconnect includes low daytime light exposure, high levels of light-at-night, and minimal seasonal variation in light exposure. We identified measurable changes in wrist temperature rhythms as a function of differential light exposure during the morning and nighttime hours. Our findings suggest that circadian shifts, and even disruption, may be common in the general population.

Seasonal Variation in Migraine

Cephalalgia ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 25 (10) ◽  
pp. 811-816 ◽  
Author(s):  
KB Alstadhaug ◽  
R Salvesen ◽  
SI Bekkelund
Keyword(s):  
Seasonal Variation ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Light Exposure ◽  
Light Conditions ◽  
Circadian Variations ◽  
Polar Night ◽  
Seasonal Periodicity ◽  
Frequent Use ◽  
Arctic Area ◽  
The Impact

Our group has previously shown that migraineurs, as opposed to individuals with other headaches, are more likely to have headache during the bright arctic summer than during the polar night season. We set out to investigate the impact of seasonal light exposure in migraine with and without aura. We performed a questionnaire-based study of 169 female volunteer migraineurs in an arctic area where light conditions during summer and winter seasons are extreme. We included 98 patients with migraine with aura (MA) and 71 with migraine without aura (MoA). One hundred and seven patients (63%) reported seasonal variation in migraine attack frequency. Close to half (47%) of patients with aura, but only 17% of patients without aura, reported more frequent attacks during the light season ( P < 0.001). Patients with MA reported interictal light hypersensitivity and light exposure as an attack precipitating factor significantly more often than individuals with MoA. They also reported significantly more frequent use of sunglasses to prevent attacks. We found no significant differences between MA and MoA as regards sleep disturbances, use of oral contraceptives, impact of headache or circadian variations. Seasonal periodicity of migraine in an arctic population with more frequent attacks during the light season is a convincing phenomenon in MA but not in MoA. The amount of light exposure seems to be pivotal to this variation.

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