I got my rejection letter from EurekAlert earlier today. Apparently, the wording of the letter is somewhat different from what Hsien Li got a few days back and she has now posted both versions for you to compare.
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My scientific specialty is chronobiology (circadian rhythms and photoperiodism), with additional interests in comparative physiology, animal behavior and evolution. I am not an MD so I cannot diagnose and treat your sleep problems. As well as writing this blog, I am also the Online Discussion Expert for PLoS. This is a personal blog and opinions within it in no way reflect the policies of PLoS. You can contact me at: Coturnix@gmail.com
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EurekAlert! update
Category: Science Reporting
Posted on: March 15, 2007 2:18 PM, by Coturnix
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Hi, I know this may not be the most appropriate post to attach this comment to, but I have a question which might fall in your area of expertise:
Is it known whether Seasonal Affective Disorder is primarily a function of circadian rhythm upset, or is it a function of the decreased light intensity/total insolation in the winter independent of circadian rhythm issues? (Or is more complicated than that)?
I can think of a few experiments to test either one of these hypotheses (e.g., if it's a function of circadian rhythm upset you would expect a higher prevalence and degree of jetlag in SAD sufferers; while if it's a function of total insolation, you would expect something like a tanning booth to ameliorate the condition).
Have any such experiments been done?
Posted by: Craig Helfgott | March 15, 2007 3:53 PM
It is definitely the effect of daylength on the clock (see this for a simple explanation). Other factors, e.g., light intensity, weather, can to some small extent modify the intensity of SAD.
Posted by: coturnix | March 15, 2007 3:59 PM
Thank you for pointing out that article; now that you've mentioned it, I do seem to recall reading it back in December.
A follow-up question: Is it only the RGCs at play here, or could the exposure response of skin to near-UV light also play a role? If you were to set up a UV lamp to go off before dawn, for example, would this have an effect on SAD?
Posted by: Craig Helfgott | March 15, 2007 4:25 PM
Not in humans.
Posted by: coturnix | March 15, 2007 10:39 PM