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Exposure to light at night and darkness during the day can affect mortality risk. They can cause circadian rhythm disturbances, which can cause changes in the body. Scientists analyzed their effects in a new study.
New research shows that people who were exposed to high levels of night light had a 21-34% higher risk of death. People exposed to higher levels of natural light showed a 17-34% reduction in the risk of death.
Exposure to light at night and darkness during the day can affect mortality risk
When people are exposed to too much light at night and don’t get enough during the day, they may have a higher risk of premature death, ScienceAlert compliance. At the same time, there is a connection between the use of artificial light and several health risks.
The study was published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences evaluation of the relationship between direct light exposure and the risk of cardiometabolic mortality. For its realization, the data of 88,905 people was used. They were between 40 and 69 years old.
The values were recorded by sensors used on the wrist. The participants were followed for approximately 8 years. Information on lighting effects was selected based on data from an accelerometer. The researchers wanted to ensure that the records of light activity corresponded to the times when the devices were on the wrist.
From the movement data, the following were evaluated: sleep duration, efficiency of rest hours and the difference between the number of sleep hours during the week and the weekend hours. Meanwhile, cardiometabolic mortality was defined as any cause of death related to diseases of the circulatory system or endocrine and metabolic diseases, according to ScienceDaily.
Circadian rhythm disruptions caused by prolonged exposure to light can affect the body
People who had light nights and darker days had a higher risk of premature mortality. This aspect was established after scientists analyzed socio-demographic and lifestyle factors. Avoiding light at night and choosing natural light during the day can support optimal health and maintain longevity. Experts believe that the proposal is affordable and beneficial.
Scientists’ findings show how important it is to maintain a dark environment. It has an important place at the end of the night and early in the morning. Then there are certain areas of the brain that have the greatest sensitivity to light. It happens because they seek bright light during the day to develop circadian rhythms.
“Protection of light environments may be particularly important for those at risk of both circadian disruption and mortality, such as in intensive care or aged care facilities,” said Dr. Daniel Windred, lead author of the study.
Also, poor sleep quality it can increase the rate at which the brain ages. A study was conducted based on cranial scans of 589 adults. It showed that exposure to several harmful factors can add 2.6 years to biological age.
2024-11-20 11:59:00
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What are the potential health consequences of disrupted circadian rhythms caused by nighttime light exposure?
1. How can exposure to light at night affect an individual’s circadian rhythm and overall health?
2. What are some measures individuals can take to reduce their exposure to light at night and maintain healthy circadian rhythms?
3. How does the body’s sensitivity to light vary throughout the day, and why is it important to maintain a dark environment during certain periods?
4. Can poor sleep quality contribute to accelerated brain aging, and if so, how can individuals improve their sleep habits to reduce this risk?
5. Are there any specific populations or environments where exposure to light at night is particularly concerning, and why?
