Harnessing the Power of Bright-Light Treatment for Sleep Problems

Researchers have discovered the neural pathway connecting chronic stress to sleep disturbances and how bright-light treatment can alleviate these issues. The study, conducted on mice, identified the crucial role of the lateral habenula, a brain region sensitive to light signals, in influencing non-REM sleep patterns. Bright-light treatment was found to inhibit certain neurons in the lateral habenula, reducing sleep abnormalities caused by stress. Understanding this pathway can help develop optimal light treatments and potential pharmacological interventions for stress-induced sleep problems.