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Sleep refers to a state of suspended motor and sensory activity in animals, and is defined by total or partial consciousness. According to research, sleep patterns vary significantly across the globe. Differences can be found in societies where sources of artificial light exist when compared to those where they are not as common.

Research indicates that cultures with less artificial light (mostly in the old days) have broken-up sleep patterns. Thus, people tend to sleep in periods, waking up after every few hours depending on various things. However, it has been proven that light plays a crucial role in the way people wake up after sleeping. Apparently, sleep patterns have changed after the inception of the artificial light, with people generally sleeping for solid hours and waking up after a constant amount of sleep, as opposed to waking up after short spans of time.

Studies are still being conducted into how bright lights help change the sleep-wake schedule of a person and how do they deal with depression. Researchers have hypothesized that light entering the visual cortex causes a reaction which triggers the suppression of melatonin. This hormone is a major catalyst in our sleep-wake cycle. It can induce sleep even when our bodies are not sufficiently tired and thus, can also be expected to work in the opposite way, given different stimuli, having a major effect on the way we sleep.

Initial theories suggested a pathway from the retina to this specific area of the brain. On the other hand, some latest research indicated that bright light applied to the back of the knee of an individual could shift human circadian rhythms (Daily sleep-wake cycle). This suggests that the bloodstream, in addition to the neurons of the visual pathways, might affect the biological clock.

Light may also help the mood of a person when he/she wakes up, specifically when suffering from certain disorders. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is a good example of such an adversity. More commonly identified as the winter blues, it is a mood disorder which some people, who may have absolutely normal mental health in all other circumstances and throughout most of the year, face in cold weather. Sometimes, this phenomenon is also observed in other seasons, but is quite rare. Normally, this condition occurs repeatedly on an annual basis.

Symptoms have been known to include abnormal sleep patterns. In such a scenario, light therapy, which involves high intensity bulbs providing illumination, has been found to be an effective form of healing.

When somebody is sleeping and the curtains in his/her room are pulled apart to allow in the sunlight, the person normally awakens. The light affects the sleep of that individual, causing the eye lids to open. However, any person woken up in this manner is bound to be irritated.

Recently, many more products have been commenced in the market that introduce light to the room gradually rather than throwing immediate harsh lighting. This helps a person wake up slowly; as compared to the shock one receives due to sudden exposure to bright lights. Most people find this new option a friendlier choice. Therefore, we can conclude that light does play an important role in our lives and in out sleep-wake patterns.

Rosana Horowitz is an health expert. She is helping people in getting out of depression and she has recommended many products like srs light. You can use it for living a depression free life. For more details visit http://www.bodykind.com.