Association between nocturnal light exposure and melatonin in humans: a meta-analysis
Juan Lu1, Ronghao Zou1, Yuyao Yang1
1Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, People's Republic of China.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research International
|December 20, 2023
Summary
Night shift work disrupts circadian rhythms by suppressing melatonin secretion due to light exposure. This meta-analysis confirms that nocturnal light significantly inhibits melatonin production in night shift workers.
Area of Science:
- Chronobiology
- Occupational Health
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Night shift work is associated with increased susceptibility to circadian rhythm disturbances.
- Prolonged exposure to light during abnormal hours disrupts melatonin synthesis and secretion.
- Previous research on nocturnal light exposure's effect on melatonin secretion has yielded inconsistent findings.
Conclusions:
- Exposure to nocturnal light among night shift workers demonstrably inhibits melatonin secretion.
- This inhibition contributes to circadian rhythm disruption in individuals working night shifts.
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