2023-10-18 12:01:12
Study shows: Night lights can cause harm
Researchers at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, have conducted the largest study ever conducted on light exposure and its effects on mental health. The study involved examining data from the British biobank of almost 87,000 people on their light exposure, sleep, physical activity, and mental health. The findings reveal a clear connection between mental health and the amount of light exposed.
The study, led by Associate Professor Sean Cain, was published in the journal Nature Mental Health. It showed that those who get a lot of light during the day live healthier lives, while those who get a lot of light at night risk anxiety, bipolar disorder, and depression.
According to Professor Cain, “Once people understand that their exposure to light has a strong impact on their mental health, they can take some simple steps to optimize their wellbeing. It’s about bright light during the day and darkness at night.”
Should it be dark when sleeping?
The study revealed that increased exposure to light at night increases the risk of psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD, as well as self-harm, by 30 percent. On the other hand, those who were exposed to a high amount of light during the day had their risk of depression reduced by 20 percent.
Based on these findings, it is recommended to have a dark sleeping environment. Aside from the potential mental health benefits, it also has the added benefit of saving energy by turning off lights.
Study: “Today’s people question biology”
According to Professor Cain, our brains have evolved to function best in bright light during the day and almost no light at night. However, with the increasing use of artificial light, modern humans challenge this biology by spending 90 percent of the day indoors with electric lights. This disrupts our natural cycles of light and darkness, confusing our bodies and making us uncomfortable. Additionally, our nights are getting brighter due to the increasing use of artificial lighting.
The study’s findings remained consistent regardless of demographic situation, physical activity, season, and employment. Even when accounting for factors such as shift work, sleep, living in the city or countryside, and cardio-metabolic health, the connection between light exposure and mental health remained strong.
Light: This is how it is healthy for us
Study leader Professor Cain suggests a simple countermeasure to mitigate the harmful effects of light exposure at night. Avoiding light at night and seeking brighter light during the day could be an effective non-pharmacological means of reducing serious psychological problems.
It’s important to note that nighttime lighting not only harms people but also has negative impacts on the environment.
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#Light #mentally #ill