Impacts of artificial light at night on sleep: A review and prospectus. Issue 8 (4th June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aulsebrook, Anne E.; Jones, Therésa M.; Mulder, Raoul A.; Lesku, John A.
• Other Names: Dominoni Davide guestEditor.; Nelson Randy J guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of experimental zoology. Volume 329:Issue 8/9(2018)
• Page Start: 409
• Page End: 418
• Publication Date: 2018-06-04
• Subjects: anthropogenic light -- ALAN -- circadian rhythms -- electroencephalogram -- pollution -- urbanization; Zoology -- Periodicals; Zoology; Animal Population Groups -- physiology; Zoology; Electronic journals; Periodical; Periodicals; 590
• DOI: 10.1002/jez.2189
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2471-5646

Abstract

Abstract: Natural cycles of light and darkness govern the timing of most aspects of animal behavior and physiology. Artificial light at night (ALAN)—a recent and pervasive form of pollution—can mask natural photoperiodic cues and interfere with biological rhythms. One such rhythm vulnerable to perturbation is the sleep–wake cycle. ALAN may greatly influence sleep in humans and wildlife, particularly in animals that sleep predominantly at night. There has been some recent evidence for impacts of ALAN on sleep, but critical questions remain. Some of these can be addressed by adopting approaches already entrenched in sleep research. In this paper, we review the current evidence for impacts of ALAN on sleep, highlight gaps in our understanding, and suggest opportunities for future research. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: Artificial light at night can have profound impacts on sleep in diurnal species. Here, we review the evidence for impacts of light at night on sleep in humans and wildlife, and provide a prospectus for future research.