Circadian rhythm is an acquired endogenous phenomenon in all organisms, but that is not a fixed phenomenon and is affected by various environment. In this review, we reported 1) the relationship between lighting schedule and the disturbances of circadian rhythm such as shift-works, jet-lag and seasonal affective disorder, 2) the effect of spa treatment for rhythm disorders, and 3) the animal and human experiment for the effect of α-pinen, which is a volatile matter of forest, on various physiological phenomena. From the experiment, we suggested that α-pinen exposure inhibited the stress-induced increment of ACTH and hypothalamic catecholamines, reduced the stress-induced inhibition of immune reaction, increased the amplitude of circadian sleep and activity rhythm in the animal, and increased the appearance of α-wave in EEG, the CV
R-R in ECG. Then, it can be supposed that the forest bath may enhance the good amenity and maintain the good circadian rhythm.
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