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Session Schedule

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0:00:00
Introduction

0:02:20
Light exposure patterns and cardiometabolic health: Insights from epidemiological studies
Daniel Windred (Australia)

0:22:40
Shining light on glucose metabolism across the metabolic health spectrum
Jan-Frieder Harmsen (Germany)

0:44:35
Molecular mechanisms of circadian entrainment
Aarti Jagannath (United Kingdom)

1:06:30
Day and night: Impact of light exposure on health
Kathryn Reid (United States)

1:26:15
Question and answer

Summary

This symposium will explore the intricate interplay between light exposure, circadian rhythms, and metabolic health. Disruptions in circadian rhythms, often influenced by irregular light exposure, have been associated with metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Featuring four distinguished speakers, the session will showcase cutting-edge research from bench, experimental, and field studies, focusing on how understanding and modulating circadian biology can guide effective strategies for improving metabolic health.

Dr. Daniel Windred of Flinders University will present findings on the relationship between personal light exposure patterns and cardiometabolic morbidity and mortality risk. He will discuss the critical importance of optimizing habitual light-dark patterns to optimize circadian rhythms and promote metabolic health.

Dr. Jan-Frieder Harmsen from RWTH Aachen University will share his research on how light exposure affects substrate metabolism, energy expenditure, and thermoregulation in insulin-resistant individuals. He will discuss how mimicking natural light-dark cycles in indoor environments could mitigate metabolic risks associated with prolonged artificial lighting.

Dr. Aarti Jagannath of the University of Oxford will examine the molecular mechanisms by which environmental cues, particularly light, entrain the circadian clock. Her work on Salt-Inducible Kinases offers valuable insights into potential light-focused strategies to optimize circadian alignment.

Dr. Kathryn Reid from Northwestern University will focus on the differential impact of light exposure on health depending on the time of day and discuss when and how to optimize light environments.

By integrating perspectives from molecular biology, clinical research, and epidemiological studies, this symposium will offer attendees a comprehensive overview of the connections between light, circadian rhythms, and metabolism. Attendees will gain insights into potential interventions, such as light therapy and lifestyle modifications, aimed at optimizing circadian alignment and promoting metabolic health.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this CME activity, participants will be able to:
• Describe recent findings from epidemiological data linking personal light exposure patterns with poor cardiometabolic health and premature mortality, and to recommend practices for maintaining healthy light exposure patterns
• Describe the impact of light exposure on energy metabolism and discuss potential interventions to optimize light environments for individuals with insulin resistance
• Describe how light entrains the circadian clock and discuss insights from mechanistic research for potential therapeutic targets to improve metabolic health
• Describe the impact of light exposure patterns on cardiometabolic and discuss practical aspects (how and when) of optimizing light exposure