Depression brought to light

摘要

Changes in environmental light can alter mood and adversely affect cognitive function1. Nonetheless, the identity of the neuronal circuitry involved in light-mediated regulation of mood and cognition, and how it functions, are poorly understood. A prevailing hypothesis is that, because alterations in light disrupt circadian rhythms (processes that are controlled by our in-built 24-hour 'biological clock'), including sleep, they then indirectly alter mood and impair learning.