Home / Health / Night Light Harms Heart Health, Harvard Study Finds
Night Light Harms Heart Health, Harvard Study Finds
19 Nov
Summary
- Evening light exposure linked to increased heart disease risk.
- Artificial light at night raises brain stress and artery inflammation.
- Greater light exposure correlates with higher heart event risk.
New research from Harvard University has uncovered a concerning connection between nighttime light exposure and an elevated risk of heart disease. The study indicates that even moderate levels of artificial light after dark can have serious, lasting implications for cardiovascular health.
The investigation, which utilized brain imaging and satellite measurements, established a correlation between higher exposure to light at night and increased stress activity in the brain, inflammation in the arteries, and a greater likelihood of experiencing heart disease. This association persisted even when accounting for other known risk factors.
Researchers are hopeful that these findings will underscore the importance of addressing light pollution as a public health issue. The study suggests that reducing unnecessary outdoor lighting and implementing strategies like motion-sensitive lights could be vital steps in protecting cardiovascular well-being.
