Preview
Faculty Mentor
Michie Odle
Creation Date
4-2023
Description
The circadian clock, located within the hypothalamus, is an internal regulator that tells our bodies when to be alert/awake or relaxed/asleep. This clock operates in 24-hour cycles called the "circadian rhythm", and maintains regulation based on environmental cues, including, most prominently, light intake. Further, the majority of work completed by college students is done online via light emitting devices. Over-exposure to light, especially during nighttime, can negatively affect circadian rhythm regulation and cause a plethora of adverse symptoms including cognitive impairment, mood changes, and sleep disorders. My proposed study aims to evaluate circadian rhythm regulation in SUNY Cortland college students, as well as investigate the roles that light intake and screen time play in this regulation. A sample of 101 SUNY Cortland students completed a researcher-derived survey, as well as the Sleep Quality Scale (Yi, Shin, & Shin, 2006). Results of the study will provide insight to the campus community regarding health and wellness of students.
Keywords
Screens, circadian rhythms, sleep, Transformations, Sleep Quality Scale, College Students