Abstract: A method of regulating uterine contractions comprises suppressing a nocturnal endogenous melatonin level of a pregnant female experiencing uterine contractions at night by exposing the pregnant female during nighttime to a light source emitting blue light. The light source may be a headset. The contractions may be measured while the female is exposed to the blue light.

Abstract: A sleep mask includes a flexible eye cover configured to be worn by a late-term pregnant female and configured to cover and shield the eyes of the wearer from ambient light. At least one light source is carried by the flexible eye cover and positioned to emit light having a wavelength of 450 to 570 nm onto the eyelids of the wearer when asleep and penetrate the eyelids when closed. A controller is connected to the at least one light source and configured to activate the light source to decrease endogenous melatonin levels and suppress uterine contractions in the late-term pregnant female.

Abstract: A method of regulating uterine contractions comprises suppressing a nocturnal endogenous melatonin level of a pregnant female experiencing uterine contractions at night by exposing the pregnant female during nighttime to a light source emitting blue light. The light source may be a headset. The contractions may be measured while the female is exposed to the blue light.

Abstract: A sleep mask includes a flexible eye cover configured to be worn by a pregnant female and configured to cover and shield the eyes of the wearer from ambient light. A source of light is carried by the flexible eye cover and positioned to emit light onto the eyelids of the wearer when asleep and penetrate the eyelids when closed. A processor is connected to the source of light and configured to activate the light in a manner to decrease endogenous melatonin levels and aid in regulating uterine contractions in the pregnant female.

Abstract: A headset includes a body to be worn by a late term pregnant female. It has a light source carried by the body that directs light into the eyes of the late term pregnant human female for reducing uterine contractions occurring at night in the late term pregnant human female and suppressing the regular nocturnal endogenous melatonin secretions of the late-term pregnant human female experiencing uterine contractions. The light source directs into the eyes of the pregnant human female intermittently during the night blue light having a wavelength of about 450 to 500 nm and an intensity of about 1,000 to 10,000 lux.

Abstract: Methods of regulating uterine contractions using light are described. An exemplary method of regulating uterine contractions comprises suppressing a nocturnal endogenous melatonin level of a pregnant female experiencing uterine contractions by exposing the pregnant female during nighttime to a light source emitting visible light.

Abstract: Methods of regulating uterine contractions using light are described. An exemplary method of regulating uterine contractions comprises suppressing a nocturnal endogenous melatonin level of a pregnant female experiencing uterine contractions by exposing the pregnant female during nighttime to a light source emitting visible light.

Abstract: A method of treating pre-term labor in pregnant human patient expressing melatonin receptors in her myometrial cells comprises administering an inhibitor of MT2R, an inhibitor of protein kinase C, an inhibitor of phospholipase C, or a combination thereof to the patient.

Abstract: The invention discloses a pharmaceutical composition containing oxytocin and melatonin in amounts therapeutically effective for inducing labor in a pregnant human patient. Preferably, the oxytocin content is reduced to mitigate unwanted side effects and the melatonin content synergistically enhances the oxytocin's labor-inducing effectiveness. Also disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition for treatment of a pregnant human patient experiencing pre-term labor characterized by early expression of melatonin receptors in myometrial cells, the composition containing one or more agents which interfere with melatonin binding to said receptors.

Abstract: The invention discloses a pharmaceutical composition containing oxytocin and melatonin in amounts therapeutically effective for inducing labor in a pregnant human patient. Preferably, the oxytocin content is reduced to mitigate unwanted side effects and the melatonin content synergistically enhances the oxytocin's labor-inducing effectiveness. Also disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition for treatment of a pregnant human patient experiencing pre-term labor characterized by early expression of melatonin receptors in myometrial cells, the composition containing one or more agents which interfere with melatonin binding to said receptors.