Artificial light apparatus and its use for influencing a condition in a subject

Abstract

The present invention relates to an artificial light system for modulating circadian rhythms, increasing vigilance and influencing light-associated psychological conditions such as seasonal affective disorder. The system of the invention comprises a source of a green and / or red light and a source of blue light both light sources being controlled by a computer to provide predetermined light conditions. More specifically, the computer is programmed to provide pulses of blue light and continuous or pulsed red light, to enhance the efficacy of blue light, reduce blue-light hazard and avoid stroboscopic effect.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to an artificial light system and a method for influencing a condition in a subject. More particularly, this invention relates to a system and a method for influencing circadian rhythms, increasing vigilance and treating psychological conditions that make use of pulsed blue light to enhance the response of a subject's biological clock, minimize blue light hazard and avoid a stroboscopic effect during light exposure.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) constitute the parts of the hypothalamus that are involved in the control of more than 150 daily biological cycles, including cortisol and melatonin secretion, appetite, body temperature, vigilance and sleep rhythms.[0003]Synchronization of suprachiasmatic nuclei with the 24-hour cycle generated by the earth's rotation is modulated by the alternating exposure to light and darkness. The response of SCN to light conditions is attributable to the presence o...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015]According to one embodiment of the present invention, an artificial light system for modulating a condition in a subject is provided. The system comprises a first light-emitting source for emitting a first light having a wavelength spectrum below 540 nm, and a controller. The controller is operatively connected to the first light-emitting source and is programmed to control the first light-emitting source to provide pulses of the first light, wherein the pulses of the first light have a frequency adapted to avoid a stroboscopic effect.

[0037]According to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a method for modulating a condition in a subject is provided. The method comprises exposing the subject to a first light having a wavelength below 540 nm for a predetermined period of time, where the first light is pulsed so as to avoid a stroboscopic effect thereof and exposing the subject to a second light having a wavelength of at least 540 nm for the predetermined period of time.

Problems solved by technology

Modulation of the SCN activity and biological rhythms controlled thereby tend to be problematic where a subject's activities are not synchronized with the natural light and dark cycle.

As such, the desynchronisation of work-related activities and natural light and dark cycle is associated with a decrease in vigilance, a decrease in productivity and an increase of work-related incidents.

Because the individual can perceive the alternation of light flashes and light interruptions, refer to as the stroboscopic effect, the method taught in the U.S. Pat. No. 6,623,512 may lead to discomfort, especially when the subject is exposed to such light conditions for an extended period of time.

Further, because the methods and apparatuses taught in both previous patents make use of a generally white light (i.e. a blend of all colors in the spectrum of visible light), their efficiency tends to be reduced.

As such, use of a light consisting in a broader range of wavelengths, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,554,439 and 6,623,512, tends to be purposeless and may ultimately lead to energy cost increases.

However, the use of blue light to modulate SCN response is not without limitation.

For example, melanopsin photoreceptors tend to degrade fast and not to regenerate upon continuous exposure to blue light, which contribute to reduce the efficacy of blue light upon such sustained exposure.

But more importantly, blue light has been shown to be toxic for retina and to increase the risks of macular diseases, which side effects are commonly referred to as “blue light hazard”.

Because the effects of blue light tend to be cumulative over the entire life of the subjects, it may cause irreversible damage.

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