Shedding light on impulsivity: the relationship between light, light sensitivity, and impulsivity.

Light exposure impacts our sleep, health and cognitive performance - including impulsivity. Both the quality of the light and the individual sensitivity of a person may influence the effect light has on impulsivity. This thesis examined the relationship between light, light sensitivity, and impulsivity. It was found that individuals who are more sensitive to light tend to act impulsively under extreme emotions but show greater cognitive control during non-emotion-based tasks. Additionally, exposure to blue light significantly reduced sensitivity to loss, increasing gambling behaviour. Understanding the relationship between light and impulsivity offers new insights into interventions to reduce impulsive behaviours.