August 2013 PMID 23910656

Entrainment of the human circadian clock to the natural light-dark cycle.

Kenneth P Wright, Andrew W McHill, Brian R Birks, Brandon R Griffin, Thomas Rusterholz, Evan D Chinoy

Mentions

197
Peak: 9 in Jun 2021
across 7 sources since Feb 2019

Extended reach

253,450
potential audience

Total likes

87

Video views

812

Mentions per month

Feb 2019 – Dec 2025

Where it's discussed

  • News107 articles
  • X / Twitter32 posts
  • Facebook28 posts
  • Blogs23 articles
  • YouTube3 videos
  • Reddit3 posts
  • Bluesky1 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The overall tone reflects genuine interest in understanding how natural light influences human circadian rhythms, supported by references to specific studies and practical advice such as 'getting enough sunlight during the daytime helps sleep' and 'a week of natural light can shift sleep schedules by two hours.' Words like 'interesting,' 'essential,' and phrases like 'so much info' convey curiosity, while the tone suggests that many see this research as relevant to everyday sleep health and lifestyle optimizations.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions acknowledge the importance of natural light for circadian regulation, with some highlighting the positive effects of exposure to natural light, though a few express skepticism about specific findings.

InterestHigh interest

The posts demonstrate high engagement with the topic, discussing practical implications like sleep schedules and health, and showing curiosity through references to studies and personal anecdotes.

EngagementModerate engagement

Several posts delve into detailed implications, sharing videos and tips about adjusting sleep patterns and comparing natural light exposure methods, indicating deeper engagement.

ImpactModerate impact

While many recognize the relevance of natural light for health, only a few suggest that the research could significantly influence personal habits or clinical practices.

Abstract in brief

  • Modern electrical lighting has altered human circadian rhythms by reducing sunlight exposure during the day, increasing light exposure after sunset, and delaying the biological clock compared to natural light cycles.
  • Exposure to natural light alone helps synchronize the human circadian clock with solar time, aligning biological night with sunset and wake time with sunrise.
  • People with later sleep schedules (later chronotypes) experience bigger shifts in their circadian timing when exposed solely to natural light, making their internal clocks more similar to those of earlier sleepers, which could impact sleep and health.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
いっちー@バーチャル精神科医
@ichiipsy · X

人間の生活リズムって、朝型、夜型なんかの個人差はあるけれど、自然光だけで生活するようになるとこの個人差が少なくなるらしい。 自力だけでネット断ちできない人にはキャンプも良いかも…。 Entrainment of the Human Circadian Clock to the Natural Light-Dark Cycle https://t.co/zc8j2dpiav

Jun 15, 2021 · 34 likes · 10 shares · 79,315 followers View post →
⚡️ The Blue Light Diet ⚡️
@BlueLightDiet · X

A week of natural light dark cycle while camping (getting exposed to constant morning light when sun comes up and little light when it goes down) can advance sleep/wake cycle by 2 hours. You get up and go to bed 2 hours earlier. https://t.co/kvjdisjBGB

Sep 25, 2022 · 14 likes · 3 shares · 32,647 followers View post →
Sleeping Children Around the World
@SCAW100 · X

So much interesting info in @DrCanapari's video! Learn about social jet lag, 9 tips to help teens shift their sleep schedule to be school ready, plus so much more. And- sorry- but yes it is time to be thinking about back-to-school! https://t.co/CpbKsgKQXO

Aug 14, 2020 · 4 likes · 800 followers View post →
Mitominder
@Mitominder · X

Entrainment of the Human Circadian Clock to the Natural Light-Dark Cyc... https://t.co/5dVkGboDVW

Feb 15, 2019 · 3 likes · 2,261 followers View post →
Charles Brenner, PhD
@CharlesMBrenner · X

interesting assertion but that is not what Wright & coworkers' classic paper showed as you said, they were out camping and were in natural light all day without no artificial light https://t.co/YSc8TBw5ny https://t.co/f8gqEQCdtv

Jun 12, 2022 · 2 likes · 57,125 followers View post →
Suncle Izwan
@izwanshahmin · X

1. Mengimbangi 'circadian ryhtym' supaya tubuh berfungsi mengikut siang & malam. https://t.co/hlfL5mZbHy

Jul 17, 2021 · 2 likes · 1 share · 8,567 followers View post →

All mentions

Otrosvendran
@Otrosvendran · X

"Dicho de otro modo: mejor empezar el día con luz (natural o terapia de luz) y proteger la noche de la luz, que “acostarse en cuanto se va el sol”." Este artículo/paper sí es jugoso: https://t.co/b9CftgbRx5

Oct 21, 2025 · 1 like · 15,575 followers View post →
Wellbeing Science Labs
@WeScienceLabs · X

- Wright, K. P., McHill, A. W., Birks, B. R., Griffin, B. R., Rusterholz, T., & Chinoy, E. D. (2013). Entrainment of the human circadian clock to the natural light-dark cycle. Current Biology, 23(16), 1554–1558.

Jun 30, 2025 · 24 followers View post →
Roundlay
@roundlay · X

@nearcyan You may be able to one shot your circadian rhythm by spending ~ a week at an off-grid setting without much slash any artificial light. https://t.co/p7YpYHRFwI Unsure if studies like this also restrict access to devices or control for eating window.

May 13, 2025 · 2 likes · 106 followers View post →
Steve Hayes
@shimself.bsky.social · Bluesky

Just to check you do know about pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23910656/ (put the dsps person in a tent)

Nov 30, 2024 · 1 share View post →
⚡️ The Blue Light Diet ⚡️
@BlueLightDiet · X

RT @BlueLightDiet: A week of natural light dark cycle while camping (getting exposed to constant morning light when sun comes up and little…

Sep 12, 2024 · 3 shares · 32,647 followers View post →
علوم ماجد
@oloommajed · X

المصادر : https://t.co/uNigIqe5oV

Jul 8, 2023 · 224 followers View post →
Dr Kpakpo
@DrKpakpoAcquaye · X

Getting enough sunlight during the daytime is essential for good sleep. Getting enough light increases night-time melatonin levels. https://t.co/u0SaVZhGEz You might also find you go to bed earlier. https://t.co/wtrnLCJSvs

Mar 11, 2023 · 2 likes · 5,861 followers View post →
Lunarfall
@LunarfaII · X

@MHryshuk @darkovsky13 Будь ласка

Feb 13, 2023 · 25 followers View post →
Jeff Rothschild
@EatsleepfitJeff · X

@LaraBriden @dwrowland My (possibly unpopular) feeling on chronotypes is that the vast majority of people identifying as evening people are actually just more sensitive to the circadian-disrupting effects of light at night. Put people in nature and these differences minimize https://t.co/dULdHjTBaV

Oct 30, 2022 · 1 like · 1,855 followers View post →
Nur Zainab
@nurzainabjamal · X

RT @BlueLightDiet: A week of natural light dark cycle while camping (getting exposed to constant morning light when sun comes up and little…

Sep 25, 2022 · 3 shares · 90 followers View post →
kike
@FUENTESMANZULLI · X

RT @BlueLightDiet: A week of natural light dark cycle while camping (getting exposed to constant morning light when sun comes up and little…

Sep 25, 2022 · 3 shares · 249 followers View post →
ENDALA klinika zdraví
@endalaclinic · X

Entrainment of the Human Circadian Clock to the Natural Light-Dark Cycle - PMC https://t.co/EYvXpGQik8

Sep 25, 2022 · 252 followers View post →
⚡️ The Blue Light Diet ⚡️
@BlueLightDiet · X

A week of natural light dark cycle while camping (getting exposed to constant morning light when sun comes up and little light when it goes down) can advance sleep/wake cycle by 2 hours. You get up and go to bed 2 hours earlier. https://t.co/kvjdisjBGB

Sep 25, 2022 · 14 likes · 3 shares · 32,647 followers View post →
Leuyann
@leuyann · X

@Adam_prepa https://t.co/HKI8UX2Dlb 10 à 30 minutes d'exposition au soleil à son levé et à son couché pendant 2 jours (Pas à travers une vitre).

Jun 30, 2022 · 203 followers View post →
Charles Brenner, PhD
@CharlesMBrenner · X

interesting assertion but that is not what Wright & coworkers' classic paper showed as you said, they were out camping and were in natural light all day without no artificial light https://t.co/YSc8TBw5ny https://t.co/f8gqEQCdtv

Jun 12, 2022 · 2 likes · 57,125 followers View post →
KyotoRange
@KyotoXizat · X

RT @izwanshahmin: 1. Mengimbangi 'circadian ryhtym' supaya tubuh berfungsi mengikut siang & malam. https://t.co/hlfL5mZbHy

Sep 19, 2021 · 1 share · 662 followers View post →
Suncle Izwan
@izwanshahmin · X

1. Mengimbangi 'circadian ryhtym' supaya tubuh berfungsi mengikut siang & malam. https://t.co/hlfL5mZbHy

Jul 17, 2021 · 2 likes · 1 share · 8,567 followers View post →
碧い
@nyaru47659288 · X

RT @ichiipsy: 人間の生活リズムって、朝型、夜型なんかの個人差はあるけれど、自然光だけで生活するようになるとこの個人差が少なくなるらしい。 自力だけでネット断ちできない人にはキャンプも良いかも…。 Entrainment of the Human Circadia…

Jun 29, 2021 · 10 shares · 440 followers View post →
ニョジー
@NYOZZY_WJ · X

RT @ichiipsy: 人間の生活リズムって、朝型、夜型なんかの個人差はあるけれど、自然光だけで生活するようになるとこの個人差が少なくなるらしい。 自力だけでネット断ちできない人にはキャンプも良いかも…。 Entrainment of the Human Circadia…

Jun 15, 2021 · 10 shares · 105 followers View post →
日向(ひなた)
@hayositeya · X

RT @ichiipsy: 人間の生活リズムって、朝型、夜型なんかの個人差はあるけれど、自然光だけで生活するようになるとこの個人差が少なくなるらしい。 自力だけでネット断ちできない人にはキャンプも良いかも…。 Entrainment of the Human Circadia…

Jun 15, 2021 · 10 shares · 217 followers View post →
にじのそらた
@nijinosorata · X

RT @ichiipsy: 人間の生活リズムって、朝型、夜型なんかの個人差はあるけれど、自然光だけで生活するようになるとこの個人差が少なくなるらしい。 自力だけでネット断ちできない人にはキャンプも良いかも…。 Entrainment of the Human Circadia…

Jun 15, 2021 · 10 shares · 696 followers View post →
ライト
@_litemeow · X

RT @ichiipsy: 人間の生活リズムって、朝型、夜型なんかの個人差はあるけれど、自然光だけで生活するようになるとこの個人差が少なくなるらしい。 自力だけでネット断ちできない人にはキャンプも良いかも…。 Entrainment of the Human Circadia…

Jun 15, 2021 · 10 shares · 56 followers View post →
風地@毎日音楽の話を(も)しています
@huuchi · X

RT @ichiipsy: 人間の生活リズムって、朝型、夜型なんかの個人差はあるけれど、自然光だけで生活するようになるとこの個人差が少なくなるらしい。 自力だけでネット断ちできない人にはキャンプも良いかも…。 Entrainment of the Human Circadia…

Jun 15, 2021 · 10 shares · 1,827 followers View post →
禊フォロー禁止in呪われてない相模
@AreinigeK · X

RT @ichiipsy: 人間の生活リズムって、朝型、夜型なんかの個人差はあるけれど、自然光だけで生活するようになるとこの個人差が少なくなるらしい。 自力だけでネット断ちできない人にはキャンプも良いかも…。 Entrainment of the Human Circadia…

Jun 15, 2021 · 10 shares · 6 followers View post →
祭北乃熊⚔️
@64JR2hpClc4LgNZ · X

RT @ichiipsy: 人間の生活リズムって、朝型、夜型なんかの個人差はあるけれど、自然光だけで生活するようになるとこの個人差が少なくなるらしい。 自力だけでネット断ちできない人にはキャンプも良いかも…。 Entrainment of the Human Circadia…

Jun 15, 2021 · 10 shares · 527 followers View post →
いっちー@バーチャル精神科医
@ichiipsy · X

人間の生活リズムって、朝型、夜型なんかの個人差はあるけれど、自然光だけで生活するようになるとこの個人差が少なくなるらしい。 自力だけでネット断ちできない人にはキャンプも良いかも…。 Entrainment of the Human Circadian Clock to the Natural Light-Dark Cycle https://t.co/zc8j2dpiav

Jun 15, 2021 · 34 likes · 10 shares · 79,315 followers View post →
Sleeping Children Around the World
@SCAW100 · X

So much interesting info in @DrCanapari's video! Learn about social jet lag, 9 tips to help teens shift their sleep schedule to be school ready, plus so much more. And- sorry- but yes it is time to be thinking about back-to-school! https://t.co/CpbKsgKQXO

Aug 14, 2020 · 4 likes · 800 followers View post →
CC
@doccan18 · X

If you prefer a video, I have one right here reviewing these issues. Let me know if this is helpful. https://t.co/B6avVSNUVp (22/23)

Jul 21, 2020 · 4,146 followers View post →
Kressly Pediatrics
@KresslyPeds · X

Can't imagine how you will get your tween or teen back to a "school hours" sleep schedule? Check out this helpful video from @DrCanapari and have a plan in advance! https://t.co/Ii3WfHkYTx

Jul 21, 2020 · 1 like · 280 followers View post →
Kevin Gipson
@kevingipsonmd · X

RT @DrCanapari: If you are a teen who is sleeping super late (or know one), I put together a video of nine ways that you can adjust your sl…

Jul 20, 2020 · 1 share · 1,374 followers View post →
CC
@doccan18 · X

If you are a teen who is sleeping super late (or know one), I put together a video of nine ways that you can adjust your sleep to the beginning of the school year goes as smoothly as possible. #BackToSchool https://t.co/B6avVSNUVp

Jul 20, 2020 · 2 likes · 1 share · 4,146 followers View post →
Julie Wei-Shatzel
@julieshatzel · X

One week of camping was enough to sync the circadian clocks of 8 participants in this University of Colorado study. Current Biology, 2013; DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2013.06.039 https://t.co/FqBZZSF8Sr

Oct 12, 2019 · 118 followers View post →
Mitominder
@Mitominder · X

Entrainment of the Human Circadian Clock to the Natural Light-Dark Cyc... https://t.co/5dVkGboDVW

Feb 15, 2019 · 3 likes · 2,261 followers View post →