Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Understanding Sleep01:11

Understanding Sleep

414
Sleep, an essential biological state, involves significant reductions in physical activity, sensory awareness, and interaction with the environment. This complex physiological process is primarily regulated by specific brain regions, notably the hypothalamus and pons, which govern the sleep-wake cycle or circadian rhythm.
The circadian rhythm, a nearly 24-hour cycle, is deeply influenced by environmental light cues. Light exposure directly affects the hypothalamus, which in turn regulates...
414
Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation01:13

Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation

171
Insufficient sleep refers to not getting the recommended amount of sleep for optimal functioning, even if it's just slightly less than needed. Sleep insufficiency may occur due to lifestyle choices, such as staying up late for social events or work, resulting in routinely getting less sleep than required. For example, consistently sleeping 6 hours when the body needs 7-9 hours can lead to cumulative effects on health and well-being.
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
171
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep01:24

Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep

196
Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
196
Stages of Sleep01:22

Stages of Sleep

378
Sleep progresses through distinct stages, each characterized by specific brain wave patterns and physiological responses ranging from wakefulness to stages of non-rapid eye movement, known as non-REM, to rapid eye movement, referred to as REM. Understanding these stages helps in recognizing how sleep supports various bodily and cognitive functions.
Before sleep begins, in wakefulness, the brain exhibits primarily beta waves, which are high in frequency and low in amplitude, indicating alertness...
378
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder01:15

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

256
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder characterized by the absence of muscle paralysis that normally occurs during the REM phase of sleep. This absence allows individuals to physically act out their dreams, which are often vivid and disturbing. Common behaviors exhibited during episodes include kicking, punching, and yelling. These actions can be dangerous, potentially leading to injuries for the person with RBD or their bed partner.
RBD is significantly associated with...
256
Management of Insomnia01:19

Management of Insomnia

281
The sleep cycle, an integral part of human health, consists of several stages with distinct characteristics and functions. It begins with a transition from wakefulness to sleep, known as the light sleep phase, followed by the restorative deep sleep phase, essential for physical recovery and growth. The cycle concludes with the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase, characterized by high brain activity and vivid dreaming. Insomnia, a prevalent sleep disorder, involves difficulty falling asleep, staying...
281

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Presleep Whey but Not Casein Protein Ingestion Improves Sleep Quality After Resistance Exercise When Compared With an Isocaloric Control in Resistance Trained Individuals.

International journal of sport nutrition and exercise metabolism·2026
Same author

Analysis of human visual experience data.

Journal of vision·2026
Same author

Associations between habitual light exposure-related behaviors and sleep timing and sleep complaints in an international community sample.

Scientific reports·2026
Same author

Paws for thought.

Science (New York, N.Y.)·2026
Same author

Lower breathing frequencies in personalized slow-paced breathing enhance relaxation and reduce arousal.

iScience·2026
Same author

Time to listen: harnessing podcasts for stakeholder engagement in circadian and sleep science.

Npj biological timing and sleep·2026

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 20, 2025

Eye Tracking, Cortisol, and a Sleep vs. Wake Consolidation Delay: Combining Methods to Uncover an Interactive Effect of Sleep and Cortisol on Memory
08:08

Eye Tracking, Cortisol, and a Sleep vs. Wake Consolidation Delay: Combining Methods to Uncover an Interactive Effect of Sleep and Cortisol on Memory

Published on: June 18, 2014

27.1K

Light exposure behaviors predict mood, memory and sleep quality.

Mushfiqul Anwar Siraji1, Manuel Spitschan2,3, Vineetha Kalavally4

  • 1Department of Psychology, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences and Intelligent Lighting Laboratory, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.

Scientific Reports
|August 1, 2023
PubMed
Summary

Optimizing your light exposure, like spending more time outdoors and using specific electric lights, can improve sleep quality and cognition. Limiting gadget use before bed is crucial for better sleep and memory.

More Related Videos

Measuring Light-Switching Behavior Using an Occupancy and Light Data Logger
05:50

Measuring Light-Switching Behavior Using an Occupancy and Light Data Logger

Published on: January 16, 2020

5.9K
Author Spotlight: Unveiling the Connection Between Sleep Disorders and Cognitive Symptoms in Depression
04:33

Author Spotlight: Unveiling the Connection Between Sleep Disorders and Cognitive Symptoms in Depression

Published on: April 26, 2024

727

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 20, 2025

Eye Tracking, Cortisol, and a Sleep vs. Wake Consolidation Delay: Combining Methods to Uncover an Interactive Effect of Sleep and Cortisol on Memory
08:08

Eye Tracking, Cortisol, and a Sleep vs. Wake Consolidation Delay: Combining Methods to Uncover an Interactive Effect of Sleep and Cortisol on Memory

Published on: June 18, 2014

27.1K
Measuring Light-Switching Behavior Using an Occupancy and Light Data Logger
05:50

Measuring Light-Switching Behavior Using an Occupancy and Light Data Logger

Published on: January 16, 2020

5.9K
Author Spotlight: Unveiling the Connection Between Sleep Disorders and Cognitive Symptoms in Depression
04:33

Author Spotlight: Unveiling the Connection Between Sleep Disorders and Cognitive Symptoms in Depression

Published on: April 26, 2024

727

Area of Science:

  • Chronobiology
  • Sleep Science
  • Cognitive Psychology

Background:

  • Light significantly impacts human emotions, cognition, and sleep.
  • Research gaps exist regarding specific light exposure behaviors (e.g., daytime electric light, nighttime gadget use) and their effects on sleep and cognition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the influence of distinct light exposure behaviors on sleep quality and cognitive function in Malaysian adults.
  • To identify specific light-related behaviors that promote or hinder healthy sleep and cognitive performance.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 301 Malaysian adults.
  • Utilized the Light Exposure Behavior Assessment tool, Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.
  • Employed partial least square structural equation modeling to analyze relationships between light behaviors, sleep, and cognition.

Main Results:

  • Increased outdoor time correlated with positive affect and circadian phase advancement.
  • Nighttime mobile phone use was linked to circadian phase delay, reduced sleep quality, and impaired memory and concentration.
  • Morning/daytime use of tunable, LED, or dawn-simulating lights promoted circadian advancement and better sleep quality.

Conclusions:

  • Specific light exposure behaviors, including timing and type of light, significantly influence circadian rhythms, sleep quality, and cognitive functions.
  • Promoting outdoor time and appropriate use of artificial lighting, while limiting pre-sleep screen time, can enhance overall health and wellness.
  • Findings support the development of a 'healthy light diet' for improved public health outcomes.