Chronobiology

How Light Affects the Human Body and Mental Well-Being

Vi har sett att kronobiologin studerar dygnsrytmer och att växlingen mellan dag/natt är en av de viktigaste synkronisatorerna för vår biologiska klocka. När natten faller markerar ljusfallet början på sömnfasen och kroppen (genom den superkiasmatiska kärnan) börjar utsöndra melatonin, vilket bjuder in oss att sova. Å andra sidan, när dagen rasar, markerar ökningen av ljuset början på den vakna fasen. Kroppen stoppar utsöndringen av melatonin och aktiverar utsöndringen av de vakna hormonerna (kortisol, serotonin).

Förutom dess reglerande effekt på våra biologiska rytmer, är det nu bevisat att ljus lika mycket har en fysiologisk effekt på kroppen. En nyligen genomförd studie har verkligen visat att ljus, om det levereras i tillräcklig intensitet och kvalitet, förbättrar humöret och ökar kognitiva prestationer som minne, vaksamhet, reaktivitet, intellektuella förmågor, etc.

The Science of Light

Understanding the science behind light is essential for grasping its influence on our physiology. Light is a form of electromagnetic radiation that travels in waves, each with a different wavelength and energy level.

What is Light?

At its core, light consists of photons, which are particles of energy. These photons travel in waves and can vary in length. The human eye detects only a small portion of the entire electromagnetic spectrum—what we know as visible light, which ranges from approximately 380 to 700 nanometers in wavelength. This visible light is responsible for the colors we see and is crucial in regulating various biological processes.

Different Types of Light

Light can be categorized into several types based on wavelength, each affecting the body differently. Natural sunlight is the most balanced source of light, containing a mixture of ultraviolet (UV), visible, and infrared light. Each type of light plays a unique role; for instance, UV light is vital for vitamin D synthesis, while blue light, a component of visible light, is essential for regulating circadian rhythms. Nonetheless, each type can pose risks if there's overexposure, making it critical to balance our light exposure.

The Electromagnetic Spectrum

The electromagnetic spectrum encompasses all types of electromagnetic radiation, from gamma rays with the shortest wavelengths to radio waves with the longest. In terms of health, we are primarily concerned with visible light, UV light, and infrared radiation. Each segment of the spectrum interacts with the body differently, influencing a range of physiological and psychological processes. For instance, while UV light aids in vitamin D production, overexposure can lead to skin damage.

Ultraviolet Light (100–400 nm): Short-wavelength light, invisible to the human eye, that can damage skin and eyes with overexposure.
Visible Light (400–700 nm): The light we see, comprising all colors from violet to red.
Infrared Light (700–1,000 nm): A type of longer-wavelength light, felt as heat, used in therapies to promote relaxation and healing.

Discover what role light plays on the body

with Roland Pec - sleep specialist and chrono-therapist

Luminette reproducerar solens gynnsamma effekter och stimulerar specifika receptorer, placerade i ögonen, som aktiverar den energigivande respons som ljus har på kroppen. Det kommer att hjälpa dig att kämpa mot nedgångar i energi, vilket gör att du känner dig mer i form och det kommer att ha en reglerande effekt på dina sömnmönster.

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