By January of 1879 in Menlo Park, New Jersey, Thomas Edison had built his first high-resistance electric light. This invention would revolutionize the world and create incredible opportunities for human development and growth. The invention itself would have long tentacles of repercussions that would reverberate amongst scientific and economic fields. It would impact the field of medicine itself and set the stage for change in our relationship with sunlight.
Humans live in a circa 24-plus-hour environment relying on light and darkness to guide a mostly diurnal pattern. Rhythmic variations in ambient light guide our sleep-wake cycles. Suprachiasmatic nucleus is deemed to be our central clock relying on preset pathways from our eyes that guide light inputs to the suprachiasmatic nucleus for adjustment of our circadian rhythm. Retina, which is a fine layer of nerve tissue at the back of our eyes, mediates the effects of light onto the circadian rhythm through its receptors. Retina also regulates the release and suppression of melatonin, a hormone of sleep.
However, human reliance on sunlight does not start or stop with circadian rhythms. Mitochondria, which is the energy producer or our cells, is regulated by sunlight. Depending on cellular demand and stress, mitochondria up or down regulate the production of energy (ATP) or its by-product (Reactive Oxidative Species) thus controlling our energy supply, our immunity and our susceptibility to disease. Any imbalance in the reactive oxidative species can predispose to a range of varying health consequences that range from lower immunity to cardiovascular disease.
Thomas Edison’s invention allows us to have near constant unregulated exposure to artificial light. This is accentuated by recent advances in screen and light technology. The impact of varying artificial light on human health is coming under scrutiny. More recently, the impact of artificial light exposure on our mitochondria and thus energy production and regulation of our cells has come to be questioned.
The Journal of Biological and Medical Rhythm Research published a research article in 2023. “Chronic exposure to dim artificial light disrupts the daily rhythm in mitochondrial respiration in mouse suprachiasmatic nucleus,” the study stated, citing findings that abnormal light exposure does dysregulate mitochondrial function in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, disrupting cellular metabolism and leading to a host of metabolic disorders.
Thankfully, a solution is free and right outside our doors.
Morning and evening light is best, carrying most ease of assimilation and least risk of sunburn. Moderate light exposure without sunglasses will allow our retina to integrate the light into our cells regulating our circadian rhythms and energy production. Our innate and built-in mechanisms will warn us through sensation of high-heat that we have had enough, preventing sunburn. The recommendation is for time outdoors without sunglasses — watching the light at or shortly after sunrise and at or before sunset — to last for 10 to 20 minutes. Combining this light exposure with family activity or personal reflection will supercharge the experience of welcoming the power of the sun.
Dr. Camilla Petersen is the owner of Petersen Concierge Medical, an innovative bespoke concierge practice that provides innovative, wrap-around primary care to individuals and families.
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