U.S. scientists say keeping lights on 24 hours a day in neonatal intensive care units may hinder development of premature babies' biological clocks.
The study led by Vanderbilt University Professor of Biological Sciences Douglas McMahon shows exposing baby mice to constant light keeps the master biological clock in their brains from developing properly and that can have a lasting effect on their behavior.
"We are interested in the effects of light on biological clocks because they regulate our physiology extensively, and also have an important effect on our mood," McMahon said. "This study suggests that cycling the lights in NICUs may be better than constant lighting for premature babies' from the perspective of developing their internal clocks."
The research — funded by the National Institutes of Health — was reported in the Aug. 21 issue of the journal Pediatric Research.
Source: United Press International
