Effect of Daylight on Melatonin and Subjective General Health Factors in Elderly People

• Published in: Iranian journal of public health Vol. 45; no. 5; pp. 636 - 643
• Main Authors: Karami, Zohre, Golmohammadi, Rostam, Heidaripahlavian, Ahmad, Poorolajal, Jalal, Heidarimoghadam, Rashid
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Iran Tehran University of Medical Sciences 01.05.2016
• Subjects: Circadian rhythm; Light therapy; Older people; Original; Studies; Iran; Melatonin; Daylight; Circadian rhythm; Iran; Health; Elderly
• ISSN: 2251-6085; 2251-6093

This paper investigated the effect of daylight on morning and night melatonin, subjective general health using GHQ questionnaire, sleepiness and alertness on elderly who lived in nursing houses. Nineteen nursing home residents participated voluntarily. They exposed to daylight from 9 to 10 a.m. and from 4 to 5 p.m. for 6 wk. The level of melatonin in the morning and at night was measured. General health of all participants was evaluated using General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) as well. Daylight exposure significantly affected morning melatonin from 25.39 pg/ml to 59.77 pg/ml (P=0.001) and night melatonin were changed from 40.30pg/ml to 34.41pg/ml (P=0.081). Mean score of general health changed 36.31 to 29.89 (P=0.003). Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) showed increase sleepiness and decrease alertness from 3:00 to 7:00 a.m. Sleepiness decreased and alertness increased during 1:00 p.m. and 20:00 p.m. Daylight exposure could delay sleep phase and correction of circadian rhythm in elderly. Anxiety and insomnia could be improved with daylight exposure. It suggests that elders should be exposed to scheduled daylight in morning and evening for prevention and improvement of mental disorders. Adequate light should be provided for elder's homes and nursing house.