The Impact of Light Exposure on Cognitive Function in Classrooms

Humans are constantly exposed to a variety of light types, created naturally or through artificial means. Light exposure captured by the eyes impacts many physiological functions in humans, including but not limited to cognitive output, fatigue levels, and mood regulation. The level of impact on cognitive learning from different types of light on undergraduate adult students remains unclear.

Inclusion criteria for wearing light glasses: * Current Michigan State University (MSU) Undergraduate Student * Are 18 years or older * Healthy subject without light sensitivity * Average bedtime 9:30 pm - 2:00 am, 6 out of 7 days a week * Willingness to measure and report fatigue levels * Willingness to participate in cognitive testing * Willingness to wear light-enriched glasses in the classroom Inclusion criteria for the control group (will not wear light glasses): * Current Michigan State University (MSU) Undergraduate Student * Are 18 years or older * Average bedtime 9:30 pm - 2:00 am, 6 out of 7 days a week * Willingness to measure and report fatigue levels * Willingness to participate in cognitive testing Inclusion criteria for the control group (will not wear light glasses): * Current Michigan State University (MSU) Undergraduate Student * Are 18 years or older * Average bedtime 9:30 pm - 2:00 am, 6 out of 7 days a week * Willingness to measure and report fatigue levels * Willingness to participate in cognitive testing Exclusion criteria for wearing light glasses: * Are younger than 18 years of age * Participation in shift work (evening/night shifts, early morning shifts, rotating shifts, etc.) * Pregnant women * Previous diagnosis of diabetes * Use of medication that would cause sensitivity to light (e.g., antidepressants, antibiotics,prescribed sleep medication, prescribed pain meds) * Epilepsy or a history of seizures * Photophobia - sensitivity or eye discomfort to bright light * Eye Diseases that limit the ability of light to be processed (e.g., untreated cataracts,severe glaucoma, macular degeneration, blindness, pupil dilation problems, or retinadamage) * Previous eye surgery * Previous head injuries (e.g., concussions) * Current chronic, severe headaches/migraines * Clinical insomniacs or those with diagnosed sleep disorders