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For many of us, darkness at night is becoming harder to find. Streetlights, buildings, electronic devices, and even small lights in the bedroom can keep us exposed to artificial light long after the sun goes down. New research suggests that repeated nighttime light exposure may have effects on the heart, including changes to its structure and how it functions, which could increase the risk of cardiovascular problems over time.
Previous studies have found a link between exposure to nighttime light and heart disease, but researchers still don’t fully understand how it may affect the heart. This study looked at what changes happen in the heart when a person is regularly exposed to excessive light during the night.
Researchers analyzed data from more than 11,000 people from the Biobank in the UK who wore wrist sensors for 7 days to monitor their nighttime light intensity. After three years, participants had MRI imaging that let researchers take a closer look at the heart’s structure and function.
Participants exposed to higher levels of light at night had about a 1.5% to 2% increase in heart wall thickness and left ventricular mass. These changes can indicate that the heart muscle is working harder and may become less flexible. Researchers also found occurrences when the cardiac muscle did not relax and flex as easily during heartbeats. Changes were seen to the ventricle on the right and also to the left atrium, suggesting that nighttime light exposure may affect more than one area in the heart.
There are several simple ways to reduce your exposure to light during the night, such as using blackout curtains or blinds to block outside light and turning off or covering glowing LEDs on electronics, clocks, and chargers. You can also keep your phone face down or outside the bedroom, or wear a sleep mask to help create a darker sleeping environment.
Growing research suggests that too much light during the night may play a role in cardiovascular health. These findings add to evidence that limiting exposure to nighttime light could be one simple step worth considering as part of a heart-healthy lifestyle.
To view the original scientific study click below:
Nighttime light exposure and cardiac structure and function
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