Big City Lights Could Be Causing Damage to Your Cardiac Health
Big City Lights Could Be Causing Damage to Your Cardiac Health
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New research suggests that exposure to artificial light at night may increase the risk of various heart conditions, Science Alert reported. Scientists analyzed data from 88,905 adults who wore wrist sensors to monitor light exposure over a week, followed by health tracking for 9.5 years. Those in the top 10% for nighttime light exposure showed a significantly higher risk of coronary artery disease, heart attack, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and stroke compared to those with lower exposure.
The study accounted for factors such as smoking, alcohol use, diet, sleep duration, physical activity, socioeconomic status, and genetic risk to isolate the impact of light exposure. While the research does not establish direct causation, it highlights a strong association between nighttime light and cardiovascular problems.
Researchers explain that light exposure at night disrupts circadian rhythms, which regulate critical bodily functions including blood pressure and glucose tolerance. Such disruptions have been linked to hypercoagulability, an increased tendency for blood to clot, which may contribute to heart disease risks.
The findings were stronger for women regarding heart failure and coronary artery disease, and for younger individuals concerning heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Experts recommend minimizing light exposure at night, such as using blackout curtains and turning off screens before bed, as a simple way to potentially reduce cardiovascular risk. The study is currently available as a preprint on MedRxiv, pending peer review.
