Harvard University Selects Low-Intensity GreenLIGHT Lamps for Space Study

In 2009 Harvard University selected Sunnex Biotechnologies Lo-LIGHT lamps for a study to evaluate lighting interventions to evaluate lighting interventions to combat the negative effects of sleep disturbance in night shift workers or by astronauts traveling to deep space. This study was conducted in collaboration with the European Space Agency at the Russian Institute for Biomedical Problems. The study, An Operational Evaluation of a Photic Countermeasure to Improve Alertness, Performance, and Mood During Night-Shift Work on the 105-Day Russian Chamber Study, was funded by the National Space Biomedical Research Institute [NSBRI] in Houston, Texas.

The 105-Day Mars Mission, was a project led by European Space Agency at the Russian Institute of Biomedical Problems. The isolation facility consists of several interconnected, modules containing medical and scientific research areas, living quarters, a kitchen, greenhouse and exercise facility.The crew, composed of four Russians and two Europeans, simulated a 105-day space mission full of experiments and realistic mission scenarios.

The Lighting Intervention Study, with lead investigator Dr. Charles A. Czeisler of Harvard University, compared the effects of different wavelengths of light on performance, alertness, and mood during the night shift. The trials consisted of two different wavelengths of light in the green spectrum, a shorter wavelength green light [the Sunnex Biotechnologies GreenLIGHT], and a medium wavelength green light(545-555 nm), as well as a control condition with longer wavelength (620 -690 nm) red light. Crew members and mission control personnel participated.

Ongoing Harvard Studies to Improve Performance and Alertness of Night Shift Workers
for NASA's Space Life & Physical Sciences Research & Applications Division

Based on the results of the NSBRI study, as well as results from other ongoing projects in their laboratory, the researchers at Harvard have determined that the peak sensitivity of the human circadian system is closer to 500nm than to 460nm. As a result of this "new information about the peak sensitivity of the human circadian system, determining that the most efficacious specialized light source should have a peak near 500nm (as opposed to ~470nm as the lamps produced by Philips Lighting, Eindhoven, Netherlands, as originally proposed), and therefore identifying such a new specialized light source for our studies; retrofitting our laboratory with specialized lamps (manufactured by Sunnex Biotechnologies, Winnipeg, MB, Canada) with a peak sensitivity near 500nm." [From NASA's Space Life & Physical Sciences Research & Applications Division Task Book - Evaluation of Photic Countermeasures for Circadian Entrainment of Neurobehavioral Performance and Sleep-Wake Regulation Before and During Spaceflight.]

It is expected that the findings of these studies will have an impact beyond the space program and that the lessons learned in these trials will be applicable to people working the night shift. The patented low-intensity Sunnex Biotechnologies GreenLIGHT technology is unique in that it can be adapted safely and comfortably into almost any work environment. Enhancing performance during the night shift by regulating circadian rhythms with light management will be useful for a wide variety of 24/7 operations.

Understandings gained in the trials on the 105 Day Mars Mission and in the ongoing studies for NASA with the Sunnex Biotechnologies Lo-LIGHT should benefit many night shift workers, especially those working in positions where alertness during the night shift is essential. This includes first responders, medical staff in hospitals, air traffic controllers, power plant and resource plant control room operators, as well as people working in the transportation industry and conducting military operations.
Note: Much of the information on this page is taken from the NSBRI and NASA Advanced Capabilities Division web sites. see Summary of green Light Study to improve alertness, performance, and mood during the night shift. in the Technical Section and Earth Applications tabs.
More applications of the GreenLIGHT system in the workplace for night shift counter-fatigue programs.