Mechanisms underlying the effects of light on physiology, behaviour and mental health in humans

Light exposure profoundly affects human physiology and behaviour. Light at the wrong time can shift the internal circadian rhythm and suppress the production of the endogenous hormone melatonin. These non-visual effects of light are largely mediated by the recently discovered melanopsin-containing intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs), which are sensitive to short-wavelength (blue) light.

Chronic exposure to light at night can also have long-term consequences for health and well-being. Importantly, however, recent evidence shows that daytime light exposure can improve alertness and also offset the detrimental effects of light at night. Understanding what 'good' light exposure constitutes therefore is a key priority for mitigating circadian disruption by light.

This innovative collaborative research project will combine state-of-the-art laboratory and field assessments of circadian phase, melatonin production, visual and non-visual sensitivity, activity cycles, and other physiological and behavioural measurements. Broad training in a wide variety of techniques spanning circadian and visual neuroscience will be provided.