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Timing of light exposure affects mood and brain circuits
1Laboratory of Genetics, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA.
Translational Psychiatry
|February 1, 2017
Summary
Artificial light at night disrupts human circadian rhythms, impacting mood regulation. This review explores how aberrant light exposure affects brain function and mood disorders.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Neuroscience
- Chronobiology
Background:
- Human health relies on temporal organization of physiology.
- Environmental light-dark cycles historically synchronized intrinsic circadian rhythms.
- Artificial light at night (ALAN) disrupts this synchronization, impacting biological processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of ALAN in mood regulation.
- To examine mechanisms by which aberrant light exposure affects brain function related to mood.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on circadian disruption and mood.
- Analysis of evidence linking aberrant light exposure to mood disorders.
Main Results:
- Circadian disruption from ALAN alters brain regions involved in emotion and mood regulation.
- Aberrant light exposure impacts neuroplasticity, neurotransmission, and clock gene expression.
- Evidence links aberrant light exposure to mood disorders.
Conclusions:
- ALAN is increasingly recognized for its adverse health effects, particularly on mood.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for public health.
- Further research is needed to mitigate the negative impacts of ALAN on mood.
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