Too Much Light Exposure Before Bed Could Increase Your Risk of Heart Attack or Stroke
The observational study found that 11,071 participants exposed to more than 3 lux of light during sleep had a 24% higher heart attack risk.
- A new study indicates that long-term exposure to more than 3 lux of light at night may increase heart attack risk by 24%, though the observational research does not prove that nighttime light exposure damages the heart.
- Nighttime light exposure can reduce melatonin secretion, disrupting a normal sleep-wake cycle; simply closing your eyes is not enough to block light penetration during sleep.
- The study included 11,071 participants wearing light-monitoring wristbands; those who slept in rooms with at least 3 lux of light showed thicker walls in one of their heart chambers, making it harder for the heart to pump blood.
- Kuljeet Gill, board-certified neurologist and sleep medicine specialist at Northwestern Medicine, told Verywell that we have more light exposure than we are aware of, adding that small amounts can affect sleep quality without people realizing it.
- Installing blackout curtains helps create a dark environment, as streetlights can produce 10 lux of light; if you cannot fully darken your room, using an eye mask blocks ambient light and supports better sleep.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Too Much Light Exposure Before Bed Could Increase Your Risk of Heart Attack or Stroke
Fact checked by Nick BlackmerLight exposure at night may have negative effects on heart health.Credit: MICROGEN IMAGES/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty ImagesWhat we’re talking about: A new study found that exposure to even dim light at night was associated with adverse heart events and a thickening of the heart.Why it matters: When the heart thickens, it can also stiffen, affecting its ability to pump properly. What you can do: Try to minimize exp…
Exposure to light during the night is related to significant and potentially harmful changes in the structure and function of the heart, according to a study of more than 11,000 people conducted by the University of Tulane, New Orleans, United States. Previous observational studies have related exposure to night light to a ... Continue reading "Nightlight is capable of altering the heart even when we are asleep"
New research suggests that exposure to too much light at night may change the shape and function of the heart.
Nighttime Light Exposure Linked to Heart Chamber Changes in 11,000-Person Study
A study of more than 11,000 people found that exposure to light at night was associated with structural and functional changes in the heart, according to findings published September 9 in the European Heart Journal. The research was led by Professor Lu Qi of Tulane University in New Orleans, according to the European Society of Cardiology. The study included 11,071 participants from the UK Biobank who wore wrist light sensors for seven days. Thr…
Even if you get plenty of sleep and follow a consistent nightly routine, there's one factor in the bedroom you may not have considered: light. A new study links exposure to even low levels of light during sleep to changes in the structure and function of the heart.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 75% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
