A Short Nap and Natural Bright Light Exposure Improve Positive Mood Status

Abstract

While the effects of a short nap on performance and arousal level have been well investigated, less attention has been paid to its effects on mood status. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of a short nap and natural bright light exposure on mood status. Participants were 16 healthy females who were on average 38.1 (SD = 2.68) yr old. From 11:00 to 12:00, the participants carried out a set of tasks twice with baseline lighting (<100 lux). From 12:40 to 13:10, they were subjected to three experimental conditions: control (<100 lux), natural bright light (>2,000 lux), and a 20-min nap. From 13:10 to 16:10, the tasks were repeated six times with the baseline lighting. To measure mood status, multiple visual analogue scales (to measure anxiety, sadness, anger, confusion, apathy, fatigue, and sleepiness) and the Mood Check List 3 (MCL-3) (to derive "pleasantness", "satisfaction" and "relaxation") were employed. The results showed that brief (30 min) natural bright light exposure improved one dimension of mood status, "pleasantness". A short nap also improved dimensions of mood status ("pleasantness", "satisfaction", and "relaxation"). These results suggest that the proper application of both natural light and a short nap shifts the mood status to the positive/favorable side.