Light therapy research continues

Although the effectiveness of therapy with white light has proven very effective for seasonal affective disorder, research continues into the effect of different types of light on our body and hormonal systems.

There are cells in our eyes called ganglions which have little to do with seeing, but send signals to our brain and help regulate our systems. A few hundred of these ganglion cells contain a light-sensitive protein called melanopsin, that helps convert light into an electrochemical signal which eventually reaches the pineal gland, in the centre of the brain.

Research at Jefferson University has shown that staring at a blue light for 90 minutes for example causes the pineal gland to stop production of melatonin. Blue light it seems helps keep us alert and some hospitals use this in nurses stations to stop medical staff feeling sleepy through the night while using more red/yellow based light in patient areas.
For more information see Eye Cells that don’t see, but Regulate