Light suppresses melatonin secretion in humans

AJ Lewy, TA Wehr, FK Goodwin, DA Newsome… - Science, 1980 - science.org
AJ Lewy, TA Wehr, FK Goodwin, DA Newsome, SP Markey
Science, 1980science.org
Bright artificial light suppressed nocturnal secretion of melatonin in six normal human
subjects. Room light of less intensity, which is sufficient to suppress melatonin secretion in
other mammals, failed to do so in humans. In contrast to the results of previous experiments
in which ordinary room light was used, these findings establish that the human response to
light is qualitatively similar to that of other mammals.
Bright artificial light suppressed nocturnal secretion of melatonin in six normal human subjects. Room light of less intensity, which is sufficient to suppress melatonin secretion in other mammals, failed to do so in humans. In contrast to the results of previous experiments in which ordinary room light was used, these findings establish that the human response to light is qualitatively similar to that of other mammals.
AAAS