You would know at least one individual in your family or friend circle who cannot seem to fall asleep without putting their night light on! And if you have to share the room with them, it can be so damn annoying to sleep in the light!
We live in a world where artificial sources of light are found in abundance, 24x7. Be it from the screens or night lights, we can be exposed to lights ALL THE TIME.
But, people do not realise the effects of sleeping in a night light until later. Most consequences appear in the old age groups, mostly between 63 and 84.
What's the link?
- The amount of light around you controls the production of melatonin in your body.
- Melatonin is also known as the 'sleep hormone' which regulates your body clock - when to feel sleepy, when to be awake.
- When exposed to a lot of light, your body works on being alert & conscious, disrupting your sleep cycle and depriving you of it.
So, the consequences?
In a recent study conducted, researchers found that people exposed to even some light during the deep-sleep phases contributed to sleeplessness and fatigue issues as opposed to those who had no lights on.
In another study conducted on 63-84-year-olds, it was discovered that light during sleep significantly made the participants more likely to be obese, diabetic, and have high blood pressure compared to those who were not exposed to any light.
It is, however, yet to be established whether these health issues force people to sleep with lights on or vice versa.
Hence, in a nutshell:
- Sleeplessness
- Obesity
- Hypertension
- Insomnia
- Sleep Apnea
- Lethargy
- Fatigue (and so much more!)
What does science suggest?
- Keep the lights away! If you still need some, try to have very dim lights closer to the floor.
- Use eye masks.
- Put timers on your social media apps. Try not to bring your laptop or mobile phone into your bedroom. If you cannot help it, then put it on the nightstand and not near you / under your pillow.
- Pay attention to the colour of the lights in your bedroom, too. Amber or red or yellow shades do not stimulate the brain too much as opposed to white or blue lights. Pick the former group!
Curious to know more?
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