The hidden risk to your heart from sleeping in low light
A new study suggests that even low levels of light exposure during sleep can negatively impact heart muscle structure and function. Researchers found that sleeping in environments brighter than 3 lux may increase the risk of cardiovascular issues.
Why it matters
This highlights a simple, actionable lifestyle change—reducing nighttime light exposure—that could serve as a preventative strategy for heart disease.
Even a small amount of light exposure during sleep may change the shape and function of heart muscles, increasing the risk of future heart disease, a new study found.
"Light pollution has emerged as a new risk factor for cardiovascular disease," said senior study author Dr. Lu Qi, the HCA Regents Distinguished Chair and Professor and director of the Tulane University Obesity Research Center in New Orleans.
"Our findings, together with evidence from other studies, suggest that reduction of nighttime light exposure should be considered as one of the potential strategies for preventing heart disease by clinicians and policy makers," Qi said in a statement.
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