What is Circadian Rhythm

Circadian rhythms are natural physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow a 24-hour cycle. These natural processes exist in most living organisms and respond primarily to light and darkness.

Circadian Rhythm and Better Sleep

Your circadian rhythm helps regulate when you fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up. When it's out of sync, sleep can become restless, fragmented, and less restorative.

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Light Therapy for Better Sleep

Light therapy helps align your circadian rhythm by signaling the brain's sleep-wake system. By optimizing light exposure, Lumos supports healthier sleep, easier wake-ups, and better overall energy levels.

Research Behind Lumos

Built on Stanford University research, Lumos uses patented light therapy to help regulate your body clock. Its effectiveness has been validated through multiple double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in both laboratory and real-world settings.

Selected publications 

Lok R, Duran M, Zeitzer JM (2023) Moving time zones in a flash with light therapy during sleep. Scientific Reports 13:14458. PMCID: PMC10475014

Joyce D, Spitschan M, Zeitzer JM (2022) Optimizing light flash sequence duration to shift human circadian phase. Biology 11(12):1807. PMCID: PMC9775356

Joyce DS, Spitschan M, Zeitzer JM (2022) Duration invariance and intensity dependence of the human circadian system phase shifting response to brief light flashes. Proceedings B 289: 20211943. PMCID: PMC8905166

Gabel V, Miglis M, Zeitzer JM (2020) Effect of artificial dawn light on cardiovascular function, alertness, and balance in older adults. Sleep 43(10):zsaa082.

Kaladchibachi S, Negelspach DC, Zeitzer JM, Fernandez F (2019) Optimization of circadian responses with shorter and shorter millisecond flashes. Biology Letters 15: 20190371. PMCID: PMC6731482

Najjar RP, Zeitzer JM (2016) Temporal integration of light flashes by the human circadian system. Journal of Clinical Investigation 126: 938-947. PMCID: PMC4767340

Zeitzer JM, Fisicaro RA, Ruby NF, Heller HC (2014) Millisecond flashes of light phase delay the human circadian clock during sleep. Journal of Biological Rhythms 29:370-376. PMCID: PMC5056587

Zeitzer JM, Ruby NF, Fisicaro RA, Heller HC (2011) Response of the human circadian system to millisecond flashes of light. PLoSOne 6: e22078. PMCID: PMC3132781

Kaplan KA, Mashash M, Williams R, Batchelder H, Star-Glass L, Zeitzer JM (2019) Effect of light flashes vs sham therapy during sleep with adjunct cognitive behavioral therapy on sleep quality among adolescents: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Network Open 2: e1911944. PMCID: PMC6763980

Frequently Asked Questions 
About the Lumos Smart Sleep Mask

Can the Lumos Smart Sleep Mask help me sleep better?

Picture your circadian clock as the solid foundation of a good night's sleep — much like a well-built house. The Lumos Smart Sleep Mask uses patented light therapy to strengthen this foundation. By aligning your internal clock, you may naturally experience better sleep quality, higher energy, and improved well-being.

Can the Lumos Smart Sleep Mask help me fall asleep faster?

Yes. If you are trying to sleep at a time your body is not naturally inclined to — after a long flight, before a night shift, or after a late weekend - Lumos shifts your circadian clock to align with your intended sleep time. In IRB-approved human trials, participants fell asleep up to 37% faster.

I want to wake up early. Can I use Lumos?

Yes. Lumos provides two tools for earlier rising: light therapy programs that gradually shift your circadian clock earlier, and a gradual sunrise alarm that simulates morning light to wake you naturally without a jarring alarm.

How does the Lumos Sleep Mask help with jet lag?

Jet lag occurs when your circadian clock falls out of sync with a new environment. Normally the body adjusts by roughly one time zone per day. Lumos uses timed light pulses during sleep to shift your clock faster. In a real-world field study involving over 150 travelers, participants reported an average 46% reduction in jet lag severity.

How does the Lumos Sleep Mask help with night shifts?

In a DoD-funded clinical study of night shift workers, participants using Lumos showed consistently higher alertness during overnight shifts and improved recovery sleep afterward — compared to those without circadian support. The mask also blocks daytime light when you need to sleep during the day.