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Melatonin Suppression Morning Light

Meaning

Melatonin Suppression Morning Light describes the critical physiological event where exposure to bright light, particularly in the blue-green spectrum, inhibits the nocturnal synthesis and release of the hormone melatonin from the pineal gland. While inappropriate light exposure in the evening is detrimental, controlled morning light exposure is a necessary and healthy signal. This prompt suppression is essential for terminating the sleep phase, promoting alertness, and correctly initiating the diurnal cycle of cortisol secretion. This mechanism is central to circadian entrainment.