Time-of-day-dependent effects of monochromatic light exposure on human cognitive function


Abstract

Summary:

This paper investigates the effects of different wavelengths of light on human cognitive function, finding that exposure to 458 nm light resulted in a significantly larger P300 amplitude than 550 nm light, suggesting that short wavelength monochromatic light can affect the circadian rhythms of cognitive functions.
Categories

Categories

  • Cognitive function and memory: The paper investigates how different wavelengths of light affect cognitive function, specifically through the measurement of the P300 amplitude, a component of the event-related potential (ERP) that is associated with cognitive efficiency.
  • Lighting Design Considerations: The study examines the effects of different wavelengths of light (458 nm and 550 nm) on cognitive function, suggesting that lighting design that considers wavelength could potentially influence cognitive function.
  • Hormone regulation: The paper discusses the role of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), which has a nerve connection with the pineal gland responsible for the regulation of some types of hormones, in mediating the effects of light on cognitive function.
  • Sleep and insomnia: The paper discusses the role of light in circadian-phase resetting, which is relevant to sleep regulation, and suggests that short wavelength monochromatic light can affect the circadian rhythms of cognitive functions.
Authors

Author(s)

M An, J Huang, Y Shimomura
Publication Date

Publication Year:

2009
Citations

Number of Citations:

35