How does light affect our internal clock and influence wakefulness?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of light on the human internal clock and its influence on wakefulness, particularly focusing on the mechanisms by which light interacts with the body and the eyes. Participants explore the role of photons, the biological processes involved, and the implications for individuals with visual impairments.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that photons must hit the eyes or body to activate hormones that promote wakefulness, questioning the necessity of visual function.
  • References to scientific literature are provided, including studies on the reticular activating system and melanopsin, with some participants expressing skepticism about the replication of findings.
  • There is a discussion about the effects of light on blind individuals, with some suggesting that even closed eyelids may allow light to penetrate and influence circadian rhythms.
  • One participant mentions the historical context of anti-jetlag devices and their effectiveness, particularly in relation to blind individuals who may have free-running circadian periods.
  • Clarifications are made regarding the nature of blindness and its implications for the discussion on light's effects on wakefulness.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the role of functional eyesight versus the presence of eyes in the context of light's effects on wakefulness. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific mechanisms and implications for blind individuals.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the need for further clarification on the original sources referenced, as well as the potential ambiguity in how light interacts with the body and its effects on circadian rhythms.

robertjford80
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Photons hit our eyes or bodies which activate a certain hormone which causes us to wake up. Does anyone know if the photons have to hit your eye or your body?
 
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atyy said:
http://www.sciencemag.org/content/279/5349/396.abstract (! has this been replicated?)
Not that I am aware of. There was a time that anti-jetlag devices were sold that were placed in the knee pit, but I'd be interested to know whether they really work. A clue comes from people who are blind, the publications I have seen report that they have free-running circadian periods.
 
About blind people, I mean photons hitting your closed eyelids
 
robertjford80 said:
About blind people, I mean photons hitting your closed eyelids

What do you mean? Light still penetrates the eye when the eyelids are closed.
 
Blind people have eyes, they just don't work, unless they've been gouged out which is very rare. So what point are you trying to make then with blind people?
 
Think for one second. Your question was: "Does anyone know if the photons have to hit your eye or your body?".

If blind people have problems waking up, do you think their body is important or their eyes? Also, do you think it is having eyes that is important or having visually functional eyes?
 
Here's what I originally read, I decided to track it down. This comes from the Harvard Medical Guide to Sleep

light, focused on the back of the eye, can be used to reset the internal clock and treat circadian rhythm disorders such as jet lag

Somehow the first part of the sentence got cut off, so I'll have to look at the original book to see what got cut off but that's at home.
 

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