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The dark side of light at night: physiological, epidemiological, and ecological consequences
Open accessAbstract
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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Background
Metadata
- 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
- bronze
- doi.org
- 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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