The graduate student I usually work with was not able to be here last week and not much was going on in the lab so I just labeled test tubes for the TV experiment subjects' saliva. They will be watching a movie in different colored light: the TV's light will be changed from warm colors to cool colors for different subjects. Then we will test the melatonin levels in their saliva to see if the levels decreased or increased as the night progressed.
Also I read an article from my mentor on the impact of light from computer monitors on melatonin levels in college students! I haven't been able to attach the article but it's results were that exposing college students to light from computer screens monitors (delivering 30 lux) for 2 hours will result in small melatonin suppression. The problem was that they thought the computer monitors they were using were delivering less light than they actually were. This complication changed the actual results; the college students were exposed to more light than predicted and so their melatonin levels decreased more. Overall I think that this is a really interesting study because we have to make sure how much light you're exposed to before assuming how much your melatonin levels will decrease.
Also I read an article from my mentor on the impact of light from computer monitors on melatonin levels in college students! I haven't been able to attach the article but it's results were that exposing college students to light from computer screens monitors (delivering 30 lux) for 2 hours will result in small melatonin suppression. The problem was that they thought the computer monitors they were using were delivering less light than they actually were. This complication changed the actual results; the college students were exposed to more light than predicted and so their melatonin levels decreased more. Overall I think that this is a really interesting study because we have to make sure how much light you're exposed to before assuming how much your melatonin levels will decrease.
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ReplyDeleteEver since our meeting, I have been putting my iPod and computer on the lowest setting if I'm on them before going to bed! For Christmas, my mom got me something called a happy light, which is really blue-white light that is supposed to combat seasonal depression, which I think has something to do with melatonin. Can melatonin problems be a part of seasonal depression? I'd be interested to know more about blue-ray if that is indeed what you are researching next, otherwise, I think that your research is really interesting, and I will most definitely be following up with you more tips on light so that I can go to sleep!
ReplyDeleteInteresting thoughts, and great question, Taz!
DeleteThat's awesome! Yes, I do think that lack of sunlight does affect your mood and that since there is less light in the wintertime we are more tired because are melatonin levels are higher throughout the day. The blue-white will decrease these levels and you will feel more awake. But I don't suggest using it right before you sleep!
DeletePlease include the date of your visit, instead of just the day you posted.
ReplyDeleteTV and spit - what an internship!!
Good job with your reading. No need to attach it, but you should cite it. Now, ask a question in your lab based on the paper!
Awesome internship! You mentioned that the more light you receive from the computer the less melatonic level you will have. What does decrease in this level mean to our body? What consequences do we have to suffer as a result?
ReplyDeleteGood comment, Christine.
DeleteThanks so much! The decrease in your melatonin levels means you are less tired and cannot fall asleep. The consequence is sleep deprivation.
DeleteHi!
ReplyDeleteYour work seems really interesting! Somewhat piggy-backing off of what Taz said- does melatonin affect people different? Are certain people more or less likely to be affected by disturbances from the television/phone signals and radiation than others?
Have your studies also encompassed natural light, or is it all being done on artificial? I am looking forward to seeing your progress!
Saria
Good comments, Saria. I like how you incorporate thoughts from other people.
DeleteHi! Studies have shown that light-eyed Caucasians are more likely to have melatonin levels decrease because of light than are dark-eyed Asians. My most recent post is on exactly that! We have been working with artificial light.
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