According to a new study published in the *European Heart Journal*, exposure to light during nighttime sleep can cause potentially harmful changes in the structure and function of the heart.
“Elchi” reports that previous studies had already shown a link between sleeping in a lit environment and an increased risk of coronary artery disease, heart attack, heart failure, and stroke.
However, this new study is the first to investigate how this condition affects the structure and function of the heart.
Lead researcher Dr. Lu Qi from Tulane University stated that these structural changes in the heart—specifically the “remodeling” process—could help explain the increased risk of heart problems associated with excessive light exposure at night.
Researchers analyzed data from 11,071 participants who did not have cardiovascular disease at the beginning of the study.
Participants wore light and motion sensors on their wrists, and several years later, they underwent cardiac MRI scans.
Researchers compared individuals who were exposed to almost no light during nighttime sleep with those exposed to at least three levels of light (equivalent to the brightness of a very dimly lit room).
Streetlights coming through windows, radio-clock displays, and LED lights from electronic devices were identified as potential light sources in the study.
After accounting for demographic, lifestyle, health, and environmental factors, it was found that exposure to more than three levels of light during nighttime sleep is associated with measurable cardiovascular damage. For example, compared to those sleeping in the darkest rooms, participants in the group exposed to the highest levels of light showed an average 2.4% enlargement of the left ventricle, a 1.5% thickening of the heart wall, and a 1.9% decrease in the heart’s pumping function.
The study showed that individuals in the group exposed to the highest levels of light had a 29% higher risk of heart failure, a 24% higher risk of heart attack, a 33% higher risk of stroke, and a 26% higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease compared to the group exposed to the least light.
Experts emphasize that simple and low-cost measures can be taken, such as using blackout curtains, preferring warm-colored lighting in the bedroom, and turning off small LED lights on household appliances.
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