ChronoBlue: Blue Light, Biological Rhythms, and Human Performance

ChronoBlue investigates how targeted blue light exposure influences time-of-day-dependent behavior, physiology, biochemistry, cognitive and physical performance, recovery, and gene activity in humans. In the context of the interaction between the biological clock and the demands of a 24/7 society, the project aims to better understand chronobiological processes and make them practically applicable.

Light is the main environmental cue for synchronizing the internal clock through activation of melanopsin-containing retinal ganglion cells. This mechanism adjusts the activity of the suprachiasmatic nucleus, thereby regulating sleep–wake cycles, body temperature, hormonal rhythms, and molecular processes throughout the day. ChronoBlue therefore focuses on biomarkers such as melatonin, cortisol, and circadian gene expression to determine how these rhythmic changes shape performance at different times of day.

The project combines fundamental research with applied intervention. In close collaboration with the German Swimming Federation, performance data, psychometric parameters, and molecular markers are collected under controlled conditions to examine the effects of blue light during chronobiologically sensitive time windows. Competitive sports provide an ideal model, as performance and recovery are strongly influenced by biological rhythms.

A key strength of ChronoBlue is the transferability of its findings beyond elite sports. The project seeks to translate insights from molecular chronobiology into practical recommendations for health, work, and everyday life, bridging neurobiology, molecular genetics, chronobiology, and sports science.