Characterizing free-living light exposure using a wrist-worn light monitor

Appl Ergon. 2002 Jul;33(4):357-63. doi: 10.1016/s0003-6870(02)00007-8.

Abstract

It was the purpose of this study to pilot the use of a new wrist-worn light monitoring device to document that indoor lighting for a particular day-shift work environment could serve as the primary light exposure dosage in healthy free-living humans. Twelve employees of a local hospital volunteered to wear a wrist-worn light monitor during all waking hours for an entire workweek (Monday-Friday). Light data were analyzed (3-Factor RM ANOVA) for the dose of light exposure (minutes of exposure x light intensity) within six light intensity categories (< 1, 1-100, 101-200, 201-500, 501-1000, > 1000 1x) relative to time spent within their work environment and all other time of the day. The greatest dose of exposure occurred within the 201-500 1x range during the subjects' work shift. These data support the premise of others that long term exposure to dim indoor light intensities commonly experienced within a variety of work environments may serve as the primary entrainment factor for physiological and behavioral processes following a circadian rhythm.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Circadian Rhythm
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lighting*
  • Male
  • Montana
  • Personnel, Hospital*
  • Phototherapy
  • Pilot Projects
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Radiometry / instrumentation*
  • Workplace*
  • Wrist