Artificial light apparatus and its use for influencing a condition in a subject

Abstract

The present invention relates to an artificial light system for modulating circadian rhythms, increasing vigilance and influencing light-associated psychological conditions such as seasonal affective disorder. The system of the invention comprises a source of a green and/or red light and a source of blue light both light sources being controlled by a computer to provide predetermined light conditions. More specifically, the computer is programmed to provide pulses of blue light and continuous or pulsed red light, to enhance the efficacy of blue light, reduce blue-light hazard and avoid stroboscopic effect.

1 - 79 . (canceled) 
   
   
       80 . An artificial light system for influencing a condition in a subject, the system comprising:
 a first light-emitting source for emitting a first light having a wavelength spectrum below 540 nm; and   a controller operatively connected to the first light-emitting source, the controller being programmed to control the first light-emitting source to provide pulses of the first light, the pulses of the first light having a frequency adapted to avoid a stroboscopic effect   
   
   
       81 . The system as claimed in  claim 80 , further comprising a second light-emitting source for emitting a second light having a wavelength spectrum of at least 540 nm. 
   
   
       82 . The system as claimed in  claim 82 , wherein the controller is operatively connected to the second light-emitting source, the controller being programmed to control the first and second light sources independently. 
   
   
       83 . The system as claimed in  claim 82 , wherein the second light-emitting source is controlled to provide pulses of the second light, the pulses of the second light have a frequency adapted to avoid a stroboscopic effect. 
   
   
       84 . The system as claimed in  claim 83 , wherein the frequency of light pulses of the first and second lights ranges from about 10 Hz to about 10 kHz. 
   
   
       85 . The system as claimed  claim 84 , wherein the frequency of light pulses ranges from about 10 Hz to about 200 Hz. 
   
   
       86 . The system as claimed in  claim 85 , wherein the frequency of the light pulses of the second light ranges from about 50 Hz to about 100 Hz. 
   
   
       87 . The system as claimed in  claim 82 , wherein the light pulses of the first and second light-emitting sources are desynchronized. 
   
   
       88 . The system as claimed in  claim 80 , wherein the first light has a wavelength spectrum ranging from about 430 nm to about 510 nm. 
   
   
       89 . The system as claimed in  claim 88 , wherein the first light has a wavelength peak of about 470 nm. 
   
   
       90 . The system as claimed in  claim 81 , wherein the second light has a wavelength spectrum ranging from about 590 nm to about 650 nm. 
   
   
       91 . The system as claimed in  claim 90 , wherein the second light has a wavelength peak of about 625 nm. 
   
   
       92 . The system as claimed in  claim 81 , the system further comprising a third light-emitting source for emitting a third light having a wavelength below 540 nm. 
   
   
       93 . The system as claimed in  claim 92 , wherein the third light has a wavelength spectrum ranging from about 490 to about 539 nm. 
   
   
       94 . The system as claimed in  claim 93 , wherein the third light has wavelength peak of about 525 nm. 
   
   
       95 . A method for influencing a condition in a subject, the method comprising:
 exposing the subject to a first light having a wavelength below 540 nm for a predetermined period of time, the first light being pulsed so as to avoid a stroboscopic effect thereof; and   exposing the subject to a second light having a wavelength of at least 540 nm for the predetermined period of time.   
   
   
       96 . The method as claimed in  claim 95 , wherein the second light is pulsed so as to avoid a stroboscopic effect thereof. 
   
   
       97 . The method as claimed in  claims 95 , wherein the predetermined period ranges from about 5 minutes to about 18 hours. 
   
   
       98 . The method as claimed in  claim 97 , wherein the predetermined period ranges from about 3 hours to about 5 hours. 
   
   
       99 . Use of an artificial light system to influence a condition in a subject, the system comprising a first light-emitting source for emitting a first light having a wavelength below 540 nm; a second light-emitting source for emitting a second light having a wavelength of at least 540 nm; and a controller operatively connected to the first and second light-emitting sources and controlling the same independently, the controller being programmed to control the first light-emitting source to provide pulses of the first light and the second light-emitting source to provide the second light.