Sleep in Complete Darkness and Circadian Light Exposure: Evidence on Melatonin, Cancer Risk, and Health Outcomes
Sleep in complete darkness is an evidence-informed strategy aimed at optimizing circadian alignment and hormonal regulation. The key biologic mediator is melatonin, a hormone secreted by the pineal gland in response to darkness. Light exposure—especially short-wavelength, blue-enriched light—suppresses melatonin via retinal pathways that project to the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the brain’s master circadian pacemaker. When… Read More »