Artificial Light Cutting Melatonin-Driven Sleep

We are staying up too late because our computer monitors, TVs, and room lights are boosting wakefulness by suppressing melatonin. Before the widespread use of electric light, people probably experienced that second wind in the mid-afternoon, keeping them going until night fell. But light exposure after sunset signals 'daytime' to the SCN, shifting the clock later, postponing the second wind and delaying the onset of melatonin secretion. LEDs are rich in short wavelength light in the frequency rate that suppresses melatonin production. Lack of sleep boosts appetite. I bet this is a substantial contributor to the rise in obesity. We are in the midst of a little noticed large scale sleep deficiency. Today, 30% of all employed US adults and...
Source: FuturePundit - Category: Health Medicine and Bioethics Commentators Authors: Source Type: blogs