The Dim Light Melatonin Onset as a Marker for Orcadian Phase Position
Abstract
Masking is known to affect a variety of circadian rhythms, making it difficult to use them as reliable markers of circadian phase position. Melatonin may be unique in that it appears to be masked only by (bright) light. Sleep and activity do not appear to influence the melatonin rhythm. By measuring the onset of melatonin production, a clearly demarcated event, we can reliably assess circadian phase position, provided blood is sampled under dim light (the dim light melatonin onset, or DLMO). The DLMO has been useful in assessing the phase-shifting properties of bright light and in phase typing patients with chronobiologic disorders, such as winter depression.
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Many physiological systems that are regulated by circadian rhythms are also known to influence circadian function.
“In support of this theory, many physiological systems that are regulated by circadian rhythms are also known to influence circadian function.”
From The neuroendocrine control of the circadian system: Adolescent chronotype (2012) · cites this paper as [105]
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- Authors
- Lewy, A. J., & Sack, R. L.
- Affiliations
- Oregon Health & Science University (US)
- Venue
- Chronobiology International
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 1989-01
- Volume
- 6
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 93-102
- ISSN
- 0742-0528 (ISSN-L)
- 1525-6073
- OpenAlex
- W1989645977
- Cited by
- 418
- References
- 31
- Citations by year
- 2026: 9 · 2025: 13 · 2024: 9 · 2023: 13 · 2022: 21 · 2021: 12 · 2020: 24 · 2019: 20 · 2018: 14 · 2017: 16 · 2016: 15 · 2015: 14 · 2014: 12 · 2013: 19 · 2012: 8
- FWCI
- 3.21
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Chronobiology International (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- National Institute of Mental Health (MH00703, MH43016)
- National Center for Research Resources (CRR00334)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Endocrine and Autonomic Systems › Circadian rhythm and melatonin
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Sleep and Work-Related Fatigue
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Sleep and related disorders
- Keywords
- dim light melatonin onset, melatonin, masking, bright light exposure, phase shifting, seasonal affective disorder
- MeSH terms
- Animals, Circadian Rhythm, Depression, Humans, Hydrocortisone, Light, Melatonin, Seasons, Sleep, Biomarkers
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