Non-ocular circadian clock resetting in humans
First Claim
1. A method of resetting a human circadian clock comprising the step of exposing a non-ocular region of a human subject to a non-solar photic stimulation during one or more circadian cycles to reset the human circadian clock.
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Abstract
A method for resetting the phase of the human circadian clock and for enhancing alertness and performance in humans is disclosed. The method involves the application of non-solar photic stimulation, in the range of 15 to 150,000 lux, to any non-ocular region of the human body during wakefulness or during sleep. Preferably, the photic stimulation has a wavelength within the visible spectrum (˜400-750 nm). The method can be used to both delay and advance the circadian clock according to a phase response curve (PRC). The method may also be used for acute/immediate enhancement of alertness and performance. The method is applicable to alleviation of problems associated with “jet-lag”, shift work sleep disturbance, and other sleep disturbances involving misalignment of circadian rhythms. The method provides a novel technique for shifting the phase of the circadian clock, and enhancing alertness and performance, using existing, or newly-developed devices.
11 Citations
52 Claims
- 1. A method of resetting a human circadian clock comprising the step of exposing a non-ocular region of a human subject to a non-solar photic stimulation during one or more circadian cycles to reset the human circadian clock.
- 28. A method of enhancing nighttime alertness and performance in a human subject comprising the step of exposing a substantially non-ocular region of the human subject to a non-solar photic stimulation during one or more circadian cycles.
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36. A method of resetting a human circadian clock comprising the steps of:
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assessing a time when a minimum body temperature for a human subject; and
exposing a substantially non-ocular region of the human subject to a non-solar photic stimulation for one or more circadian cycles to reset the human circadian clock at an exposure time dependent upon the assessed time. - View Dependent Claims (37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52)
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Specification