New study by the University of Surrey reveals the effects of evening light indoors on sleep

November 7, 2011

For eons of time, we have arisen and gone to sleep with the rising and setting of the sun. Our body clocks have adapted to these daily light and dark signals and use these cues to regulate our sleep and wakefulness across 24hrs.The resulting cycles in physiology and behavior are called circadian rhythms

However, in the age of electrical light available to light up the darkness, our natural sleep patterns are changing due to light exposure in the evenings.

A study by the University of Surrey, in collaboration with and funded by Philips, has investigated how evening indoor light conditions affect sleep and the time needed to fall asleep.

The study has been published in the Journal of Pineal Research “The spectral composition of evening light and individual differences in the suppression of melatonin and delay of sleep in humans.” – Santhi N, Thorne HC, van der Veen DR, Johnsen S, Mills SL, Hommes V, Schlangen LJ, Archer SN, Dijk DJ. J Pineal Res. 2011 Sep 20.

+ Click here to read the press release by the University of Surrey

For further information, please contact:

Shai Dewan
Philips Lighting Communications
Tel: + 31 620 69 58 22
Email : shai.dewan@signify.com

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About Royal Philips Electronics

Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people’s lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of “sense and simplicity.” Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs over 120,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 22.3 billion in 2010, the company is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.

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