Light plays a crucial role in regulating our circadian rhythm, the body’s internal clock that regulates our sleep-wake cycle. Specifically, melanopic light, a type of light that stimulates the melanopsin cells in our eyes, can have a significant impact on our circadian rhythm. In this post, we will explore the science behind melanopic light and its effects on our health.

What is Melanopic Light?

Melanopic light is a type of light that is detected by a specific group of cells in our eyes called melanopsin cells. These cells are located in the retina and are responsible for regulating our circadian rhythm. When melanopsin cells are stimulated by melanopic light, they send a signal to the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), which is the body’s master clock. The SCN then sends signals to other parts of the body, regulating everything from hormone levels to body temperature.

Melanopic light is measured in units of melanopic lux, which takes into account the sensitivity of the melanopsin cells to different wavelengths of light. The amount of melanopic light that we are exposed to can have a significant impact on our circadian rhythm and overall health. Melanopic sensitivity peaks at ~480nm sky blue at over 6x compared to the lux of that same wavelength, this means that while sky blue may appear less bright to the eye, the biological action is far greater. Below in grey is the melanopic action curve. The red portion shows the light that is able to pass though Carbonshade melanopic light blocking glasses, that block 99.8% of all melanopic light.

The Impact of Melanopic Light on Circadian Rhythm

Melanopic light is most effective at regulating our circadian rhythm when it is present in the morning and daytime. Exposure to melanopic light during these times can help to reset the body’s internal clock, leading to better sleep quality and overall health. However, exposure to melanopic light at night can have the opposite effect, disrupting our circadian rhythm and leading to sleep disorders and other health problems.

Sources of Melanopic Light

Melanopic light can be found in a variety of sources, including sunlight, indoor lighting, and electronic devices. Sunlight is the most potent source of melanopic light, with natural daylight containing up to 100,000 melanopic lux. Indoor lighting can also provide melanopic light, but the amount of melanopic light present will depend on the type of light source and the time of day. Electronic devices such as computers, smartphones, and televisions emit blue light, which can also stimulate melanopsin cells and disrupt our circadian rhythm. This is why red glasses in the evening are often recommended as the first step in circadian correction. It’s roughly 100x brighter outside than inside during the day, and nearly 100x brighter inside than outside at night.

The Importance of Managing Melanopic Light Exposure

Given the impact of melanopic light on our circadian rhythm and overall health, it is important to manage our exposure to this type of light. Some strategies for managing melanopic light exposure include:

• Getting natural daylight exposure & supplementing melanopic light when inside during the day.
• Using blue light-blocking glasses or filters on electronic devices at night.
• Using warm, dim lighting in the evening, ideally incandescent lights or candles.
• Minimizing exposure to electronic devices before bedtime.

Conclusion

Melanopic light plays a significant role in regulating our circadian rhythm and overall health. By understanding the impact of melanopic light and implementing strategies to manage our exposure to this type of light, we can optimize our sleep quality and improve our overall health.

Sources:

• National Sleep Foundation: Melanopsin and the Importance of Light in Sleep
• Harvard Health Publishing: Blue Light Has a Dark Side
• Applying Melanopic Lux to Measure Biological Light Effects on Melatonin Suppression and Subjective Sleepiness.

Light is an essential factor for our circadian rhythms, and the right kind of light exposure at the right times can have a dramatic impact on our health and well-being. In recent years, red light therapy has gained popularity for its potential benefits, such as improved skin health, increased collagen production, and reduced inflammation. However, the benefits of near-infrared light therapy are less well-known, but have shown promising results in clinical trials.

Near-infrared light (NIR) therapy involves the use of wavelengths that are longer than those in the visible light spectrum, ranging from 700 to 1200 nanometers. The Chroma Sky Portal offers a unique combination of melanopic blue light and NIR light, which has been shown to enhance the effects of both types of light. The melanopic blue light, which is primarily responsible for regulating our circadian rhythms, can help improve sleep and overall health, while the NIR light can penetrate deeper into the body and stimulate cellular repair.

One of the most promising benefits of near infrared light therapy is its ability to reduce inflammation. Studies have shown that NIR light can improve the function of mitochondria, commonly known as the “powerhouses of our cells”, and reduce oxidative stress, a key factor in inflammation. In addition, NIR light therapy has been shown to increase blood flow, which can help with the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to tissues, further aiding in the healing process.

Does Near Infrared Light Protect the Brain?

Short answer – YES, it’s very likely that NIR light exposure may help prevent cognitive decline. Another potential benefit of NIR light therapy is its ability to improve brain function. A study conducted on mice showed that exposure to NIR light improved cognitive function and reduced the buildup of beta-amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. While more research is needed to fully understand the effects of NIR light therapy on the brain, these findings are promising.

Sources:

• Shining light on the head: Photobiomodulation for brain disorders.
• Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation.
• Mechanisms of low level light therapy.

Light plays a crucial role in regulating our circadian rhythm, the internal 24-hour clock that controls our sleep-wake cycle, hormone production, and many other bodily processes. Disruptions to this natural cycle can lead to a host of negative health effects, including fatigue, mood disorders, and even increased risk of chronic diseases. Fortunately, new research is shedding light on how we can use light to optimize our health and well-being, and Chroma’s innovative products are at the forefront of this exciting field.

Studies have shown that exposure to bright light in the morning can help set our circadian rhythms and improve sleep quality. Conversely, exposure to melanopic (blue & green) light at night can disrupt our natural sleep cycle and interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that promotes restful sleep. The Chroma Sky Portal light therapy device provides a safe, effective way to get the bright melanopic light we need during the day, while the Ironforge red light therapy device emits a strong but soothing, warm light in the near infrared range that can help promote relaxation and restful sleep at night.

But the benefits of Chroma products go far beyond simply improving sleep. Red light therapy has been shown to have a wide range of health benefits, including reducing inflammation, promoting healing of injuries, and even improving skin health. The blue light therapy provided by the Sky Portal can help alleviate symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that’s triggered by the shorter days of winter, and lack of enough light exposure.

By incorporating Chroma devices into your daily routine, you can easily optimize your circadian rhythms, improve your sleep quality, and reap a host of other health benefits. With the ever growing body of research on the benefits of light therapy, there’s never been a better time to explore the science of light and how it can help you live your best life.

Sources:

• The timing of the human circadian clock is accurately represented by the core body temperature rhythm following phase shifts to a three-cycle light stimulus near the critical zone.
• The Effects of Red and Blue Lights on Circadian Variations in Cortisol, Alpha Amylase, and Melatonin.
• Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: Stimulating, healing, restoring.
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651