AbstractLight is strong zeitgeber to the human circadian system, entraining internal rhythms in physiology and behaviour to the external world. This is mediated by the melanopsin-expressing intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs), which sense light in addition to the classical photoreceptors, the cones and rods. Circadian responses depend on light intensity, with exposure to brighter light leading to bigger circadian phase shifts and melatonin suppression. In congenital achromatopsia (prevalence 1 in 30,000 to 50,000 people), the cone system is non-functional, resulting in light avoidance and photophobia at light levels which are tolerable and habitual to individuals with a normal, trichromatic retina. Here, we examined chronotype and self-reported sleep, actigraphy-derived rest-activity cycles and increases melatonin in the evening in a group of genetically confirmed congenital achromats. We found normal rest-activity patterns in all participants, and normal melatonin phase angles of entrainment in 2/3 of our participants. Our results suggest that a functional cone system and exposure to daytime light intensities are not necessary for regular behavioural and hormonal entrainment. This may point to a compensation mechanism in circadian photoreception, which in conjunction with non-photic zeitgebers, ensures synchronisation of activity to the external world.Significance statementRhythms in physiology and behaviour are synchronised to the external cycle of light exposure. This is mediated by the retinohypothalamic tract, which connects the photoreceptors in the eye with the “circadian pacemaker” in our brain, the suprachiasmatic nucleus. What happens to our circadian rhythm when we lack the cone photoreceptors in the eye that enable us to see in daylight? We examined this question in a group of rare congenital achromats. Our work reveals that normal rhythms in rest and activity, and production of hormones, does not require a functional cone system.
Effect of a dynamic lighting intervention on circadian rest-activity disturbances in cognitively impaired, older adults living in a nursing home: A proof-of-concept study
