Khaberni - A new study from Flanders University found that exposure to bright light at night can significantly increase the chances of developing serious heart diseases, including heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.
In the largest study of its kind to explore the impact of personal exposure to light on heart health, sensors placed on the wrists of more than 89,000 participants in Britain were used, over a course of 9 years.
Heart disease risks
According to "Medical Xpress", the study found that those exposed to bright light at night were more likely to suffer from heart diseases, with a 56% increase in the likelihood of heart failure and a 47% increase in the likelihood of a heart attack.
These risks remained high even after accounting for other factors such as exercise, diet, sleep habits, and genes.
Dr. Daniel Winred, the lead author, said, "The study highlights a risk factor that many are unaware of, but it is an easily addressable factor". He added, "This is the first large-scale study to show that merely being exposed to light at night is a strong and independent risk factor for heart diseases". Dr. Winred also noted that "disrupting the body's internal biological clock by repeatedly exposing it to bright light at night, while the environment is typically dark, increases the risk of serious heart diseases".
The research team called for more research on lighting guidelines in homes, hospitals, and cities, to help reduce exposure to light at night.
