The deliberate regulation of the intensity, spectrum, and timing of light exposure to align with the body’s natural circadian rhythm, thereby optimizing the neuroendocrine system. This control is critical for regulating the sleep-wake cycle and the subsequent, highly synchronized nocturnal hormonal pulses. It is a foundational, non-pharmacological tool for maintaining biological order.
Origin
This concept is derived from chronobiology and the study of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the body’s central clock, which is profoundly sensitive to photic input. Clinical application focuses on mitigating the disruptive effects of modern artificial light on human health.
Mechanism
Specific wavelengths of light, particularly in the blue spectrum, inhibit the pineal gland’s secretion of melatonin via the retinohypothalamic tract, directly impacting sleep quality and the nocturnal release of growth hormone and prolactin. Precise light environment control maintains the integrity of these vital hormonal cascades, supporting restorative physiological processes.
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