Shining light on memory: Effects of bright light on working memory performance

Huiberts, LM Laura; Smolders, Kchj Karin; Kort, de Yaw Yvonne

doi:10.1016/j.bbr.2015.07.045

Cited by 100 publications

(122 citation statements)

References 53 publications

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“…With respect to performance on the more difficult working memory task (BDST), it was expected that no improvements or even decrements in performance under higher light intensities would appear, especially in the afternoon [15]. In contrast to this expectation, the current study revealed that participants completed significantly more difficult backward spans (length 7 and 8) successfully in the morning and afternoon under the 1700 lux compared to 165 lux at eye level.…”

Section: Lighting Effects On Performancecontrasting

confidence: 80%

“…In contrast to this expectation, the current study revealed that participants completed significantly more difficult backward spans (length 7 and 8) successfully in the morning and afternoon under the 1700 lux compared to 165 lux at eye level. However, important differences between the Huiberts et al [15] study and the present one are the number and types of tasks that were performed before the BDST.…”

Section: Lighting Effects On Performancementioning

confidence: 58%

“…All in all, similar to NIF effects of illuminance level on performance, NIF effects on physiology also seem to be inconsistent, showing either increased arousal or no significant changes. A previous study in our lab revealed partial evidence for a possible moderating role of task difficulty in the NIF effects of illuminance level on task performance [15]. The current study further investigated the inconsistent NIF effects of illuminance level on task performance by exploring whether illuminance-induced changes in physiological arousal may explain changes in task performance.…”

Section: Accepted M Manuscriptmentioning

confidence: 73%

“…Moderation of NIF effects of illuminance level by time-of-day was taken into account as this was repeatedly found in previous studies [15,17,21]. …”

Section: Designmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Studies on nocturnal light exposure have revealed positive, but also null effects of bright light exposure compared to dim light exposure [9][10][11][12][13]. Results of diurnal studies are even more inconsistent, showing either null, positive, or negative findings of bright as opposed to dim light exposure [7,11,[14][15][16][17][18]. In order to develop more healthy light applications that positively affect our vitality and performance during daytime, it is essential to learn more about underlying mechanisms, including potential moderating and mediating variables, which may explain these inconsistencies.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Non-image forming effects of illuminance level: Exploring parallel effects on physiological arousal and task performance

Huiberts

Smolders

Kort

2016

Physiology & Behavior

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This study investigated diurnal non-image forming (NIF) effects of illuminance level on physiological arousal in parallel to NIF effects on vigilance and working memory performance. We employed a counterbalanced within-subjects design in which thirty-nine participants (mean age = 21.2; SD = 2.1; 11 male) completed three 90-minute sessions (165 vs. 600 lux vs. 1700 lux at eye level) either in the morning (N=18) or afternoon (N=21).During each session, participants completed four measurement blocks (incl. one baseline block) each consisting of a 10-minute Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT) and a Backwards Digit-Span Task (BDST) including easy trials (4-6 digits) and difficult trials (7-8 digits).Heart rate (HR), skin conductance level (SCL) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were measured continuously.The results revealed a significant improvement on the BDST difficult trials under 1700 lux vs. 165 lux (p = 0.01), while illuminance level did not affect performance on the PVT and BDST easy trials. Illuminance level impacted HR and SCL, but not SBP. In the afternoon sessions, HR was significantly higher under 1700 lux vs. 165 lux during PVT performance (p = 0.05), while during BDST performance, HR was only slightly higher under 600 vs. 165 lux (p = 0.06). SCL was significantly higher under 1700 lux vs. 165 lux during performance on BDST easy trials (p = 0.02) and showed similar, but nonsignificant trends during the PVT and BDST difficult trials. Although both physiology and performance were affected by illuminance level, no consistent pattern emerged with respect to parallel changes in physiology and performance. Rather, physiology and performance seem to be affected independently, via unique pathways.

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Section: Lighting Effects On Performancecontrasting

confidence: 80%

Section: Lighting Effects On Performancementioning

confidence: 58%

Section: Accepted M Manuscriptmentioning

confidence: 73%

“…Moderation of NIF effects of illuminance level by time-of-day was taken into account as this was repeatedly found in previous studies [15,17,21]. …”

Section: Designmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Non-image forming effects of illuminance level: Exploring parallel effects on physiological arousal and task performance

Huiberts

Smolders

Kort

2016

Physiology & Behavior

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Light, Sleep, Alertness and Performance

Bommel¹

2019

Interior Lighting

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How Daylight Controls the Biological Clock, Organises Sleep, and Enhances Mood and Performance

Wirz‐Justice

2022

High-Quality Outdoor Learning

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The human circadian system drives 24-h rhythms in all aspects of biochemistry, physiology and behaviour. This rhythmicity ensures that the right function occurs at the right time, and separates incompatible functions. Rhythmic synchronisation is key to overall health and wellbeing, and light input from the day-night cycle is the primary ‘zeitgeber’ or entraining agent. Coordination of internal clocks promotes positive mood, optimum alertness and performance, and ensures sleep quality essential for learning and memory. Indoor light intensity is rarely sufficient to stabilise daily entrainment, while even an hour outdoors in the morning can significantly enhance cognitive function, academic achievement, and physical condition.

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Shining light on memory: Effects of bright light on working memory performance

Cited by 100 publications

References 53 publications

Non-image forming effects of illuminance level: Exploring parallel effects on physiological arousal and task performance

Non-image forming effects of illuminance level: Exploring parallel effects on physiological arousal and task performance

Light, Sleep, Alertness and Performance

How Daylight Controls the Biological Clock, Organises Sleep, and Enhances Mood and Performance

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