Aliquot #5: Light exposure: Striking a balance for sleep and mental health
Aliquot #5: Light exposure: Striking a balance for sleep and mental health
Regulating the amount of light in our environment is crucial for a good night's sleep and a good mood the next day. Habits such as using blue light-emitting electronics close to bedtime can reduce melatonin production by as much as 20 percent, impairing sleep. But bright light exposure in the morning may be essential for wakefulness and a good mood. These Aliquot segments feature Dr. Matthew Walker, a professor of neuroscience and psychology; and Dr. Charles Raison, a professor of psychiatry.
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Regulating the amount of light in our environment is crucial for a good night's sleep and a good mood the next day. Habits such as using blue light-emitting electronics close to bedtime can reduce melatonin production by as much as 20 percent, impairing sleep. But bright light exposure in the morning may be essential for wakefulness and a good mood. These Aliquot segments feature Dr. Matthew Walker, a professor of neuroscience and psychology; and Dr. Charles Raison, a professor of psychiatry.
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Introduction
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Reading from a light-emitting ebook reader or iPad blunts melatonin (Matthew Walker discussion)
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Acute effects of bright light exposure on cortisol levels (Charles Raison discussion)
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The moon and madness reconsidered
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