Investigating How Melanopsin Activation Influences Mood in Daily Life
Description
Ethics 23368
- Details: We are investigating how different light levels affect mood in real-world settings. Research suggests that light exposure influences sleep, appetite, and mood regulation, but more studies are needed to understand how everyday lighting, such as in homes and offices impacts emotional well-being. This study focuses on the types of light that influence mood, particularly through melanopsin activation, a key pathway in light perception. Given the increasing prevalence of mental health conditions, understanding this relationship could help improve early diagnosis of mood disorders and lead to new or enhanced treatment approaches.
To explore this, participants will wear a light monitoring device to track their exposure to different lighting conditions, along with a Fitbit to measure physiological markers such as heart rate, activity levels, and sleep patterns. Over one week, they will complete daily mood questionnaires to assess how their emotional state fluctuates with light exposure. Additionally, they will experience two specific lighting conditions designed to examine the immediate effects of light on mood and motivation-driven tasks.
By integrating objective light measurements with self-reported mood data, this study aims to refine light-based interventions for mental health and offer alternative therapeutic strategies beyond medication.
In the study, you will:
- Face-to-face instruction and baseline meeting (45 minutes – Consent, device instructions, questionnaire) at the University of Manchester, Stopford Building.
- Wearing the light device for 1 week during the days (not while sleeping). Being careful not to cover the device to prevent light tracking.
- Wearing a Fitbit for 1 week (day and night)
- Filling in a daily questionnaire (5 minutes - About daily activity and sleep)
- Answering mini mood questionnaires at least 5 times a day (1 minutes each)
- Two in person visits onday 3 and day 5 to determine melanopsin activation effects on mood (including focusing on screen, motivation task and facial recognition task - 1.5 hours each visit) at the University of Manchester, Stopford Building.
You can take part in this research if you:
- Are 18 years or older
- Are fluent in English
- Do not work night shifts
- Havenot travelled across time zones for two weeks prior to the study week
- Have a smartphone with non-cracked screen, which is charged enough for each session and can be used to connect to the internet during the study
- Are a healthy volunteer (No symptomology of mood disorders/sleep disorders/eye disease)
You will be compensated for your time in the form of vouchers.
If you are interested, please contact:
chloe.roddis@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk (primary contact)
or nina.milosavljevic@manchester.ac.uk
We will arrange a meeting and discuss the study in more detail and determine whether you wish to participate.
This study is carried out by Chloe Roddis (PhD student).
Centre for Biological Timing | Division of Neuroscience | Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health | The University of Manchester
Contact details
chloe.roddis@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk (primary contact)