Optimizing Light Flash Sequence Duration to Shift Human Circadian Phase

Daniel S Joyce, Manuel Spitschan, Jamie M Zeitzer, Daniel S Joyce, Manuel Spitschan, Jamie M Zeitzer

Abstract

Unlike light input for forming images, non-image-forming retinal pathways are optimized to convey information about the total light environment, integrating this information over time and space. In a variety of species, discontinuous light sequences (flashes) can be effective stimuli, notably impacting circadian entrainment. In this study, we examined the extent to which this temporal integration can occur. A group of healthy, young (n = 20) individuals took part in a series of 16-day protocols in which we examined the impact of different lengths of light flash sequences on circadian timing. We find a significant phase change of -0.70 h in response to flashes that did not differ by duration; a 15-min sequence could engender as much change in circadian timing as 3.5-h sequences. Acute suppression of melatonin was also observed during short (15-min) exposures, but not in exposures over one hour in length. Our data are consistent with the theory that responses to light flashes are mediated by the extrinsic, rod/cone pathway, and saturate the response of this pathway within 15 min. Further excitation leads to no greater change in circadian timing and an inability to acutely suppress melatonin, indicating that this pathway may be in a refractory state following this brief light stimulation.

Keywords: circadian rhythm; dim light melatonin onset; flash; light; melatonin; sleep.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
CONSORT diagram [18] of participant recruitment and allocation. Of the individuals evaluated, 51% did not meet inclusion criteria or declined to take part in the experiment. Of the participants empaneled, 9.1% were excluded due to non-adherence to target at-home sleep/wake times. Twenty-two participants took part in the in-lab component, quasi-randomized into five participants per illuminance level (see Protocol). The data of one participant (5%) was excluded in the 1 h condition due to failure of the experimental device.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Timing of the laboratory protocol. After stabilizing their sleep/wake rhythms for fourteen days, participants attended the laboratory for a controlled study of the effect of stimulus duration on circadian rhythms. Upon admission to the laboratory on Day 15, participants remained in dim light (

Figure 3

Phase shifting in response to…

Figure 3

Phase shifting in response to light flash sequences of different durations. Left panel…

Figure 3
Phase shifting in response to light flash sequences of different durations. Left panel (A): The magnitude of the shift in the timing of the onset (phase) of melatonin (Δϕ) is plotted against the duration of the flash sequence and compared to a historic protocol control (8) in which individuals were awakened into darkness and not given a light stimulus (0 h data). Right panel (B): The magnitude of the change in acute melatonin concentrations between the beginning and the end of the flash stimulus. Individual data (black discs) are displayed along with group average (green diamonds) with SD bars. The open discs indicate the four participants in whom a fixed, rather than dynamic, threshold was used to determine circadian timing.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Phase shifting in response to light flash sequences of different durations. Left panel (A): The magnitude of the shift in the timing of the onset (phase) of melatonin (Δϕ) is plotted against the duration of the flash sequence and compared to a historic protocol control (8) in which individuals were awakened into darkness and not given a light stimulus (0 h data). Right panel (B): The magnitude of the change in acute melatonin concentrations between the beginning and the end of the flash stimulus. Individual data (black discs) are displayed along with group average (green diamonds) with SD bars. The open discs indicate the four participants in whom a fixed, rather than dynamic, threshold was used to determine circadian timing.

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