According to an article in the journal of Physiology the human eye is sensitive to short wave blue light and transmits information to the so-called “body clock.” This new research from the University of Surrey indicates the possibility that this type of light could be used to adjust the body clocks of shift workers, Long haul travelers, and those effected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

The report goes on to say that exposure to this blue light seems to suppress melatonin levels, which cannot be explained by the activity of photoreceptors. Dr. Debra Skene, who led the University research team says “our findings have exiting implications for the future, some sections of the population have a particular need to adjust and manipulate their body clocks in order to function effectively during the hours of the night, when our body responses are trying to tell us to go to sleep.

The full article can be found at www.jphysiol.org/cgi/content/abstract/535/1/261


     Listing # 24/08/01