Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2016; 141(25): 1840-1844
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-109421
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Übersicht
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Licht und Medizin

Light and Medicine
Björn Lemmer
1   Institut für Experimentelle und Klinische Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
14 December 2016 (online)

Zusammenfassung

Ohne Licht gäbe es kein Leben auf der Erde. Der durch die Erdrotation bedingte Wechsel von Licht und Dunkelheit hat alle Lebewesen dazu gebracht, dass sie innere Uhren exprimieren, die biologische Rhythmen in allen Lebensfunktionen generieren. Die bekanntesten Rhythmen sind die 24-Stunden- bzw. zirkadianen und die Jahresrhythmen, die sich beim Menschen in Gesundheit und Krankheit nachweisen lassen, dies gilt von der Geburt bis zum Tod. Es überrascht nicht, dass Licht auch als Therapeutikum, z. B. bei der Winterdepression, eingesetzt werden kann.

Abstract

There would be no life without light. The rotation of the earth around its axis has introduced the development of biological clocks in all living subjects regulating all functions of the body. The rhythms best described are the 24-hour/circadian and the seasonal rhythms. The rhythmic composition around the body clock has great impact on health and disease, both in diagnostics and treatment. Nowadays, bright light, e.g. in seasonal affective disorder, can be regarded as a drug, being even more effective than selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

 
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