Dim scotopic illumination accelerates the reentrainment following simulated jetlags in a diurnal experimental model, Drosophila

Jetlag results from the misalignment between the endogenous circadian timing and the civil timing after a transmeridian flight. Efficacy of the dim nocturnal illumination (0.03 lx) in accelerating the reentrainment following simulated jetlags in Drosophila biarmipes was examined by subjecting the flies to 24 h light-dark cycles in which the 12 h photophase was at 300 lx for all flies but the scotophase was at 0 and 0.03 lx for the control and experimental flies, respectively. Reentrainment was always faster in the experimental flies than the control ones. Moreover, unlike melatonin, the dimly lit nights accelerated the reentrainment following both, the phase advance and delay of the light-dark cycles. This study might have potential application as a non-drug jetlag treatment.