Abstract
Moderately bright light exposure was performed in patients following major surgery, and reinforcement in the postoperative circadian rhythm were investigated.
[Subjects and Methods]
A sub-experimental study was performed in patients who underwent surgery of the cardiovascular system. To reduce stress on patients, moderately bright light from an LED light source was used in consideration of wavelength components using a light equipment. Light exposure was performed for 4 hours in the daytime, starting from day 1, for a total of 12 hours. The association between the moderately bright light exposure and postoperative circadian rhythm was evaluated based on the deep body temperature and blood melatonin level.
[Results]
The deep body temperature on day 2 of supplemental irradiation were closer to a 24-hour cycle than those on day 1, and the goodness of fit also tended to improve. When the melatonin secretion level with time was compared using the Friedman method, a significant difference (p<0.0001) was detected.
[Summary]
Moderately bright light exposure may reduced stress and reinforcement the circadian rhythm of patients after major surgery, suggesting its application in clinical practice.
