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Kunal Shah

February 25, 2016


Biol 495-H02: Honors Seminar in Biology
Dr. Stanko & Dr. Fortune
The Effect of Artificial Light Exposure on Sleep, Circadian Timing, and Human
Health Rough Draft
Introduction

electronic displays to street lights,

With the recent rise in technology

all types of artificial light exposure

there has been an increase in

have been connected to

usage of electronic devices at all

detrimental effects on human

hours of the day especially during

health.

the hours right before bed. The

The biggest concern comes from

increased portability, accessibility,

when humans are exposed to this

and convenience of these devices

artificial light during the later hours

makes them more accessible to

of the night, especially before bed.

use, but this increased usage also

Human sleep is regulated by two

comes with a price. The artificial

main factors, the circadian clock

light omitted from the screens of

and melatonin production. Light is

these devices is the what provides

the most influential environmental

the greatest concern. Yet, it is all

signal in terms of both these bodily

exposure of artificial light in

functions. The circadian clock

general that should be of concern

synchronizes many bodily functions

ranging from room lights to

and processes, including sleep,

from peripheral cues received from

harder for the individual to fall

the environment, specifically light

asleep at night, it increases

as mentioned above. When the

alertness during the evening-hours,

body perceives that it is nighttime

decreases sleep efficiency, and can

and the body is no longer picking

possibly lead to sleep deprivation.

up any signals of light melatonin

When circadian disruption is

production begins. This melatonin

combined with sleep deprivation a

production is used to facilitate

variety of detrimental affects can

sleep in humans and can only be

be seen as well. These can range

created when light is absent. In

from risks of cardiovascular disease

order for humans to receive a

to depression to even cancer. Even

proper plentiful sleep, individuals

with information about the health

must sleep during times aligning

problems associated with artificial

with their circadian rhythm. When

light exposure not much is being

humans are exposed to artificial

done about the problem.

light after the sun has set, the

The aim of this study is to discuss

production of melatonin is

the effects of all types of artificial

suppressed and the circadian clock

light exposure in the evening hours

is shifted to a later time as the

on sleep, circadian rhythm, and

body perceives that it is still

human health in general. It will

daytime. This in turn leads to a

cover the basics of how light is

variety of side effects. Some

picked up by the body, how

examples of these are that it is

melatonin is regulated, how

circadian rhythm is controlled, how

suppression, circadian disruption,

exactly electronic screens and

or sleep deprivation, and finally by

other sources of artificial light

wrapping up about what is

release harmful light, the affects of

currently be being done about the

these on sleep and sleep

problem and what more further can

regulation, the possible health

be done as well.

problems due to melatonin

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