Bright light affects human circadian rhythms

Abstract

The relative effectiveness of external zeitgebers synchronizing circadian rhythms can be evaluated by measuring the size of the range of entrainment. The experimental approach to measure entrainment limits is the application of an artificial zeitgeber with slowly and steadily changing period. In human circadian rhythms, an absolute light-dark (LD) cycle with a light intensity during L of 1000 lux or less, results in an upper entrainment limit of 26.91 +/- 0.24 hours. The same limit is reached in constant illumination when only informations are given to the subjects. Consequently, the LD cycle is effective mainly with its behavioral component characterized by the request of the light-dark alternation to go to rest. In experiments with the same experimental protocol but higher intensity of illumination during L (approximately 4000 lux, i.e., exceeding the threshold beyond which melatonin excretion is suppressed in humans), human circadian rhythms can be synchronized within a much larger range; the upper entrainment limit is, with all overt rhythms measured, beyond 29 hours. This means that bright light has an effect on the human circadian system which is qualitatively different from that of dim light, and which is similar to the effect of light in most animal experiments. This finding has theoretical and practical implications.