Light exposure at night may be bad for your heart
New research shows that sleeping in near-total darkness may carry an added benefit: protecting the heart.
A recent study from Tulane University suggests that exposure to nighttime light may negatively impact heart health. Researchers found that even small amounts of light during sleep can lead to structural and functional changes in the heart. The study, published in the European Heart Journal, analyzed data from 11,017 participants who wore wrist sensors for a week to measure light exposure levels.
Participants were divided into groups exposed to 0 lux (near total darkness) and those exposed to varying levels of light, up to 3 lux. After three years, participants underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance scans to assess heart changes. Those with higher nighttime light exposure showed thicker walls in the left chamber of the heart and reduced ventricular space, along with decreased heart function.
Lead author Lu Qi, a professor at Tulane, emphasized that this is the first study to examine the link between nighttime light exposure and cardiac remodeling, which typically results from chronic stress or injury. Cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, claims more lives than any other cause in the U.S. and globally.
Qi highlighted nighttime light exposure as a preventable risk factor, noting that simple measures such as turning off screens, closing curtains, and using eye masks can help reduce exposure.
Written by urgent.news from Futurity's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
