Circadian Health Glossary
DLMO (Dim Light Melatonin Onset)
Dim Light Melatonin Onset (DLMO) is the time in the evening when the body begins producing melatonin, a hormone that signals the start of the biological night and prepares the body for sleep. It occurs under dim or no light conditions to ensure accurate measurement of the body’s natural circadian rhythm.
Why Is DLMO Important?
-
Circadian Marker: DLMO is a reliable indicator of the body’s internal clock and helps assess circadian timing.
-
Sleep Timing: Understanding DLMO can guide personalized recommendations for sleep schedules or treatments like light therapy and melatonin supplementation.
-
Circadian Disorders: Used to diagnose and manage conditions like Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (DSPD) or jet lag.
How Is DLMO Measured?
DLMO is typically measured in a controlled environment by analyzing melatonin levels in saliva or blood samples collected under dim light conditions over several hours.
DLMO is a critical tool for understanding and optimizing circadian health and aligning sleep patterns with the body’s natural rhythms.