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Evening light exposure and sleep phase shifts in adolescence and childhood: Literature review
 
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1
Students’ Scientific Club, Department of Pathomorphology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
 
2
Department of Pathomorphology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
 
 
Corresponding author
Krzysztof Leś   

Studenckie Koło Naukowe, Katedra i Zakład Patomorfologii, Wydział Nauk Medycznych w Zabrzu, ul. 3 Maja 13/15, 41-800 Zabrze, tel. +48 32 370 45 46
 
 
 
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ABSTRACT
Sleep regulation in children and adolescents relies on the interaction between homeostatic and circadian processes. The internal biological clock, located within the suprachiasmatic nuclei, is primarily synchronized by light. This light is detected by intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs), which are highly sensitive to short-wavelength blue light. Evening exposure to LED lighting and electronic screens can suppress melatonin secretion, promoting sleep phase delay. Children and adolescents are exceptionally vulnerable to this effect due to both anatomical and developmental factors. Combined with cognitive arousal from social media and the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), this creates a "perfect storm," resulting in behavioral bedtime procrastination and a natural shift toward an evening chronotype. While it is crucial to distinguish this common developmental and behavioral shift from a clinical disorder, cumulative circadian disruption and social jetlag remain significant risk factors for Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder (DSWPD). Furthermore, chronic sleep restriction exhibits observational associations with poorer academic performance, potential long-term metabolic disturbances (such as obesity and insulin resistance), and an elevated risk of mood disorders and depression. Available evidence highlights the critical importance of light hygiene, including limiting evening screen exposure and promoting morning natural light. Medical interventions, such as melatonin and chronotherapy, should be carefully reserved for severe clinical cases. Finally, future longitudinal studies utilizing personal light dosimetry are needed, alongside systemic solutions like delayed school start times, to protect pediatric sleep health.
FUNDING
This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The authors declare no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this manuscript. None of the commercial systems mentioned have provided financial support, incentives, or funding for this review.
ETHICAL APPROVAL
As this study is a literature synthesis and did not involve direct human participants or animals, institutional review board approval was not required.
AUTHORS' CONTRIBUTIONS
Study design – K. Leś, T. Męcik-Kronenberg; Data collection – K. Leś, T. Męcik-Kronenberg; Manuscript preparation – K. Leś, M. Kronenberg, T. Męcik-Kronenberg; Literature research – K. Leś, T. Męcik-Kronenberg; Final approval of the version to be published – K. Leś, M. Kronenberg, T. Męcik-Kronenberg
Use of AI tools statement: ChatGPT was used solely for the purpose of integrating and styling the content. The entire research process, including the literature review, analysis of scientific articles, and selection of key information regarding evening light exposure and sleep phase shifts in adolescence and childhood, was conducted independently by the authors.
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