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Sleep Masks May Protect Your Heart by Blocking Artificial Light
15 Nov
Summary
- Exposure to artificial light at night linked to higher brain stress, inflammation, and heart disease risk
- Nighttime light disrupts circadian rhythms and suppresses melatonin production
- Experts recommend using blackout curtains or sleep masks to maintain darkness while sleeping
According to a study presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2025, people exposed to higher levels of artificial light at night had increased brain stress activity, blood vessel inflammation, and a higher risk of developing heart disease. The researchers used a combination of brain imaging and satellite data to track the impact of nighttime light exposure on 450 participants over time.
While the study has some limitations, the findings underscore the importance of maintaining darkness during sleep. Exposure to light at night can disrupt the body's natural circadian rhythms and suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep. This "conflict" between the brain's desire to sleep and the external light signals can activate stress centers in the brain, leading to inflammation in the arteries—a combination that has been linked to increased heart disease risk.
To protect their heart health, experts recommend that people do what they can to sleep in complete darkness, such as using blackout curtains or a sleep mask. These small changes could go a long way towards supporting overall cardiovascular wellness.
