How Modern Society Taints Our Circadian Rhythm

This study solidified the notion that long-term exposure to continuous light can have a significant impact on health. Interestingly, most of the health parameters measured quickly returned to normal after restoring a regular light-dark cycle. Nevertheless, it becomes clear that exposure to artificial light is not at all harmless. By messing with our circadian rhythms through constant exposure to light, we may be accelerating our aging process and be actively weakening our health and resistance to disease. References Lucassen EA, et al (2016). Environmental 24-hr Cycles Are Essential for Health. Curr Biol, 26(14):1843-53. doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2016.05.038 Michaud M, et al (2013). Proinflammatory cytokines, aging, and age-related diseases. J Am Med Dir Assoc, 14(12):877-82. doi: 10.1016/j.jamda.2013.05.009 Nakamura TJ, et al (2016). The suprachiasmatic nucleus: age-related decline in biological rhythms. J Physiol Sci, 66(5):367-74. doi: 10.1007/s12576-016-0439-2 Quevedo I, Zuniga AM (2010). Low bone mineral density in rotating-shift workers. J Clin Densitom, 13(4):467-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jocd.2010.07.004 Stevens RG, et al (2014). Breast cancer and circadian disruption from electric lighting in the modern world. CA Cancer J Clin, 64(3):207-18. doi: 10.3322/caac.21218 Wang XS, et al (2011). Shift work and chronic disease: the epidemiological evidence. Occup Med (Lond), 61(2):78-89. doi: 10.1093/occmed/kqr001 This guest article originally appeared on the award-winning health and scienc...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Brain Blogger Publishers Sleep Artificial Lighting biological clock Circadian Rhythm cyclic health Sara Adaes PhD Sunlight suprachiasmatic nucleus Source Type: blogs