Behavioural determinants of physiologically-relevant light exposure
Anna M Biller1,2, Priji Balakrishnan3,4, Manuel Spitschan5,6,7
1Department Health and Sport Sciences, Chronobiology & Health, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany. anna.biller@tum.de.
Abstract:
Light exposure triggers a range of physiological and behavioural responses that can improve and challenge health and well-being. Insights from laboratory studies have recently culminated in standards and guidelines for measuring and assessing healthy light exposure, and recommendations for healthy light levels. Implicit to laboratory paradigms is a simplistic input-output relationship between light and its effects on physiology. This simplified approach ignores that humans actively shape their light exposure through behaviour. This article presents a novel framework that conceptualises light exposure as an individual behaviour to meet specific, person-based needs. Key to healthy light exposure is shaping behaviour, beyond shaping technology.
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