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Dim light melatonin onset and circadian temperature during a constant routine in hypersomnic winter depression
Author(s) -
Dahl K.,
Avery D. H.,
Lewy A. J.,
Savage M. V.,
Brengelmann G. L.,
Larsen L. H.,
Vitiello M. V.,
Prinz P. N.
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
acta psychiatrica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.849
H-Index - 146
eISSN - 1600-0447
pISSN - 0001-690X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0447.1993.tb03414.x
Subject(s) - melatonin , evening , circadian rhythm , depression (economics) , medicine , rhythm , psychology , light therapy , endocrinology , physics , astronomy , economics , macroeconomics
The onset of melatonin secretion under dim light conditions (DLMO) and the circadian temperature rhythm during a constant routine were assessed in 6 female controls and 6 female patients with winter depression (seasonal affective disorder, SAD) before and after bright light treatment. After sleep was standardized for 6 days, the subjects were sleep‐deprived and at bedrest for 27 h while core temperature and evening melatonin levels were determined. The DLMO of the SAD patients was phase‐delayed compared with controls (2310 vs 2138); with bright light treatment, the DLMO advanced (2310 to 2135). The minimum of the fitted rectal temperature rhythm was phase‐delayed in the SAD group compared with the controls (0542 vs 0316); with bright light treatment, the minimum advanced (0542 vs 0336).