Cited by 795Impact of Light on Environment and HealthCircadian rhythm and melatoninSleep and Work-Related Fatigue

The dark side of light at night: physiological, epidemiological, and ecological consequences

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Navara, Kristen J., Nelson, Randy J.·2007·Journal of Pineal Research

Abstract

Abstract: Organisms must adapt to the temporal characteristics of their surroundings to successfully survive and reproduce. Variation in the daily light cycle, for example, acts through endocrine and neurobiological mechanisms to control several downstream physiological and behavioral processes. Interruptions in normal circadian light cycles and the resulting disruption of normal melatonin rhythms cause widespread disruptive effects involving multiple body systems, the results of which can have serious medical consequences for individuals, as well as large‐scale ecological implications for populations. With the invention of electrical lights about a century ago, the temporal organization of the environment has been drastically altered for many species, including humans. In addition to the incidental exposure to light at night through light pollution, humans also engage in increasing amounts of shift‐work, resulting in repeated and often long‐term circadian disruption. The increasing prevalence of exposure to light at night has significant social, ecological, behavioral, and health consequences that are only now becoming apparent. This review addresses the complicated web of potential behavioral and physiological consequences resulting from exposure to light at night, as well as the large‐scale medical and ecological implications that may result.

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Research works printed but not linked: 3

  1. Albers S, 2001, Modeling light pollution from population data and implications for National Park Service lands, George Wright Forum, 18, 56
  2. Schulmeister K, 2004, Final Report. The Fifth International LRO Lighting Research Symposium, Light and Human Health, November 3‐5, 2002, 103
  3. Petersen CGJ, 1906, The influence of light on migrations of the eel, Rep Danish Bio Stat, 14, 2

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Authors
Navara, K. J., & Nelson, R. J.
Affiliations
The Ohio State University (US)
Corresponding author
Navara, Kristen J.
Venue
Journal of Pineal Research
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2007-06-25
Volume
43
Issue
3
Pages
215-224
ISSN
  • 0742-3098 (ISSN-L)
  • 1600-079X
OpenAlex
W2111092972
Cited by
795
References
114
Citations by year
2026: 19 · 2025: 34 · 2024: 34 · 2023: 50 · 2022: 51 · 2021: 69 · 2020: 67 · 2019: 67 · 2018: 69 · 2017: 58 · 2016: 47 · 2015: 57 · 2014: 48 · 2013: 43 · 2012: 32
FWCI
1.27
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Journal of Pineal Research (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • National Science Foundation (0416897)
  • National Institutes of Health
  • National Institute of Mental Health (MH-57535, R01MH057535, R01MH066144, MH-66144)
  • National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (T32AI055411)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Global and Planetary Change › Impact of Light on Environment and Health
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Endocrine and Autonomic Systems › Circadian rhythm and melatonin
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Sleep and Work-Related Fatigue
Keywords
light at night, light pollution, circadian rhythm disruption, melatonin, circadian rhythm, shift work, health effects, ecological consequences, behavioral effects, physiological effects
MeSH terms
Animals, Biological Clocks, Darkness, Disease, Ecology, Humans, Work, Oxidative Stress

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