Sure, dozing off to your favorite TV show every now and then doesn’t seem like a big deal. But if it becomes your nightly habit, research suggests it might be wreaking havoc on your health.
What the Research Says
A recent study from Monash University, highlighted by Health Digest, followed 89,000 adults aged 40 to 69 over eight years to examine the effects of light exposure on health and mortality.
The findings? Nighttime exposure to bright light increased the risk of death by 21-34%. Meanwhile, participants who soaked up plenty of daytime sunlight saw their mortality risk drop by 17-34%.
Here’s why: nighttime light exposure disrupts your circadian rhythm, the internal clock that regulates your sleep-wake cycle. Blue light from TVs, phones, and tablets mimics daylight, keeping your brain in “awake” mode and throwing off crucial bodily processes.
The Health Fallout of a Broken Body Clock
When your circadian rhythm is out of sync, your health can take a serious hit. Chronic exposure to artificial light at night has been linked to:
•Metabolic Syndrome
•Diabetes
•Obesity
•Heart Disease
•High Blood Pressure
•Stroke Risk
In fact, a 2017 study published in Chronobiology International found that exposure to blue light at night doesn’t just impact your health—it can also tank your productivity the next day.
The Bright Side: Sunshine to the Rescue
However, not all is negative—daytime sunlight boosts insulin production and helps regulate your body’s internal clock.
The researchers suggest that regular exposure to sunlight during the day may promote a longer, healthier life with fewer cardiovascular issues. Study author Professor Andrew Phillips advises minimizing nighttime lights and embracing daytime sunshine to boost longevity and reduce disease risk.
Psychologist Dr. Alexandra Stratyner warns that artificial light at night can affect more than just metabolism; it can lead to sleep deprivation, anxiety, depression, stress, and even cognitive decline. She adds that older adults are especially vulnerable to circadian disruptions, which can affect memory and focus.
Most Commented