Objective measurement and reporting of light exposure among shift-working nurses: a scoping review

Light exposure is an important environmental determinant of circadian timing in shift workers, but its characterization depends on how, where, and when light is measured and which metrics are reported. This scoping review mapped objective approaches to light exposure assessment among shift-working nurses and examined reporting of key measurement parameters. Nine databases were searched from inception to 18 August 2026. Thirty-three studies were included. Light exposure was assessed using wearable personal monitoring, non-wearable photometric measurements, or both. Daysimeter, Actiwatch devices, and StowAway were the most frequently used personal monitors; non-wearable measurements were mainly conducted at nurses’ stations, work areas, and wards. Reported metrics comprised basic photometric measures, light-exposure dose and temporal measures, circadian-related or melanopsin-weighted metrics, and spectral and color-related descriptors. Reporting rates for seven key measurement parameters ranged from 18.2% to 87.9%, with calibration reported least frequently. Considerable variation in measurement approaches and incomplete methodological reporting may limit comparison and interpretation across studies of shift-working nurses. More complete and transparent reporting of measurement procedures, together with selection of light metrics and characterization of exposure features appropriate to the research question, would strengthen assessment of light exposure among shift-working nurses.