Successful research at NEMO: Sensitivity to Light in Morning and Evening People

Over the past two weeks, a part of the NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam was transformed into a research center for the BioClock Consortium. The goal? To understand whether the biological clock of evening people is more sensitive to light than that of morning people.

What did we study?

More than 500 enthusiastic visitors completed a questionnaire to determine whether they are morning or evening types. Subsequently, we measured their pupil response to red and blue light flashes. This provided insights into how their biological clocks respond to light. The response to blue light, in particular, is crucial.

Why is this important?

The biological clock not only regulates our sleep rhythm but also influences our mental and physical health. By studying differences between morning and evening people, we aim to develop personalized advice and improve education about the importance of light for a healthy lifestyle.

What are the next steps?

The team will now analyze the large amount of collected data. This research could lead to practical recommendations to help people better align their biological clocks with their daily lives.

We thank the NEMO Science Museum and all participants for their curiosity and involvement. Special thanks go to the researchers who made this possible: Laura Kervezee, Zoë Bor, Roos Bos, Rick van Dorp, Stephan Michel, Laura Pape, Gijs van der Zwet, and Laura van der Zwet.