They are hitting their maximum DLI, essentially. now, is that after it repeats that process X amount of times or is it when that process starts, i have no idea on the nuance.
the plants basically make themselves small to the light, "resting" in a way and less surface area getting hit by light. it's not the watering. it could progressively get worse, which would be more confident in saying it's beyond max dli. if there's not enough carbon (from co2 in atmosphere) it can't use the light.
Other signs would be stunting or too tightly spaced growth nodes etc... if any vege growth remains. bleaching of course, but that can take forever in any borderline case. singed pistils - kinda look like little tiny yellow nubs. extra foxtailing.
improved environemantal controls and boosting co2 to 1200 - 1300 ppm are ways you can give greater DLI.
dli - daily light integral. good to read up on. it allows apples to apples commparisons of how much light is provided -- regardless of light schedule or size of garden.