Dim light melatonin onset and circadian temperature during a constant routine in hypersomnic winter depression.
The onset of melatonin secretion under dim light conditions (DLMO) and the circadian temperature rhythm during a constant routine were assessed in 6 female controls and 6 female patients with winter depression (seasonal affective disorder, SAD) before and after bright light treatment. After sleep was standardized for 6 days, the subjects were sleep-deprived and at bedrest for 27 h while core temperature and evening melatonin levels were determined. The DLMO of the SAD patients was phase-delayed compared with controls (2310 vs 2138); with bright light treatment, the DLMO advanced (2310 to 2135). The minimum of the fitted rectal temperature rhythm was phase-delayed in the SAD group compared with the controls (0542 vs 0316); with bright light treatment, the minimum advanced (0542 vs 0336).
Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle.
K
K
Dahl
D H
DH
Avery
A J
AJ
Lewy
M V
MV
Savage
G L
GL
Brengelmann
L H
LH
Larsen
M V
MV
Vitiello
P N
PN
Prinz
D000328:Adult; D001831:Body Temperature; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008027:Light; D008550:Melatonin / Q000032:analysis* / Q000502:physiology; D010789:Phototherapy; D016574:Seasonal Affective Disorder / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy
D008550:Melatonin