Lifestyle - Night Lights cause Sleep Problems?

How Are You Sleeping?

Findings were published online in the journal Molecular Psychiatry by lead author Tracy Bedrosian, doctoral student in neuroscience and colleagues. Tracy from Ohio State University, said hamsters exposed to light at night for four weeks showed evidence of depressive symptoms, but those symptoms essentially disappeared after about two weeks after exposure to normal lighting conditions.

Even changes in the brain that occurred after hamsters lived with chronic light at night reversed themselves after the hamsters returned to a more normal light cycle, Bedrosian said.
"The good news is that people who stay up late in front of the television and computer may be able to undo some of the harmful effects just by going back to a regular light-dark cycle and minimizing their exposure to artificial light at night," Bedrosian said in a statement. "That's what the results we found in hamsters would suggest."

Exposure to light at night can significantly impact your sleep quality and overall health. Here's how:

Disrupts Circadian Rhythms
Light exposure at night can interfere with your body's natural circadian rhythm, which regulates sleep-wake cycles, leading to difficulty falling and staying asleep.

Suppresses Melatonin Production
Light exposure, especially blue light, inhibits the production of melatonin—the hormone responsible for signaling to your body that it’s time to sleep. This suppression can delay or disrupt sleep onset.

Reduces REM Sleep
Exposure to light at night can also reduce the amount of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep you get, which is crucial for restorative sleep and cognitive function.

Increases Heart Rate
Studies have shown that light exposure during sleep can elevate heart rate, potentially disturbing your rest and affecting cardiovascular health.

Impairs Insulin Sensitivity
Research indicates that light exposure at night can lead to higher insulin resistance the following morning, which makes it harder for your body to manage blood sugar levels effectively.

If you must use a night light, opt for one that emits red light, as it has the least impact on your sleep cycle. Alternatively, consider gradually reducing your reliance on night lights to help your body adjust to sleeping in the dark.

Renay

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