Why early bright light exposure is key for melatonin production at night | Dr. Satchin Panda

Bright light exposure has a profound effect on regulating the circadian system in humans. Dr. Panda and colleagues discovered that melanopsin — a light-sensitive protein found in specialized cells of the eye — responds to blue light and synchronizes the body's day/night cycle. Melanopsin-containing cells detect blue light from the sun but also from electronic devices. In response to the amount of blue light, melanopsin signals the brain to produce or repress melatonin production, a hormone that induces sleep. Therefore, dimming lights and avoiding devices in the evening allows melatonin to rise naturally. Conversely, morning bright light exposure suppresses already-declining melatonin levels, improving alertness and resetting the circadian clock. In this clip, Dr. Satchin Panda explains how light exposure affects the circadian clock and how dimming lights and avoiding devices in the evening allows melatonin to rise naturally.

This clip was taken from the FoundMyFitness Clubhouse interview with Satchin Panda found at    • Dr. Satchin Panda on Circadian Insigh...  

Original episode published on July 6, 2021
#lightexposure #CircadianRhythm #melatonin