Intense blue light therapy during the night-time does not suppress the rhythmic melatonin biosynthesis in a young boy

Abstract

Objective. Melatonin is a hormone predominantly synthesized and secreted during the night by the pineal gland. Artificial light at night, especially its blue part, acutely suppresses the melatonin production. Th e aim of the present study was to find out, whether an intense blue light phototherapy of severe hyperbilirubinemia, may suppress the melatonin production during the night when the eyes will be properly protected by a sleep mask.

Keywords

• melatonin
• 6 sulphatoxymelatonin
• phototherapy
• blue light
• hyperbilirubinemia