Naked Science Forum
Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: Santiago Cepas on 26/07/2008 15:24:38
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Santiago Cepas asked the Naked Scientists:
Hi Chris and the rest.
Congratulations for the podcast (http://www.thenakedscientists.com/HTML/podcasts/), very interesting.
Here is a question for you. Last year I had a surgical procedure on my eyes to fix the myopia I had by the insertion of intraocular lens. Everything went very well, but since then my sleeping habits have changed. Now I usually wake up some 5-6 hours after going to sleep, when before I could easily sleep 7-8 hours straight.
Is it possible that damage to the visual cells in my eyes as a result of the procedure may have altered my body clock, since - as you said a few shows back - those cells are responsible of detecting light and setting the internal clock to local time?
I know it sounds a bit far fetched, but I have gone to a couple of doctors and they can't find what's wrong with me.
Anyway, thanks a lot and keep the shows coming.
Regards,
Santiago Cepas
Madrid
What do you think?
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While you are spot on that eyes sensing of light plays a role in setting the bodies clock, it just is the presence or absence of light and not the focus of that light matters. So there shouldn't be any difference at all because of the surgery.
As for what is wrong, I would look at other things, primarily diet (drinking any caffeine or other stimulants?) or drugs (over the counter, prescription, illicit, vitamens or supplements, or even withdrawal of pain meds).
I suppose age could play a role as well... people often sleep less as they age. But you make it sound like it was a drastic change.
Sean Mahoney
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As for what is wrong, I would attending at added things, primarily diet (drinking any caffeine or added stimulants?) or drugs (over the counter, prescription, illicit, vitamens or supplements, or even abandonment of affliction meds).
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