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The hidden risk to your heart from sleeping in low light
Researchers found that sleeping in more than 3 lux of light was linked to thicker heart walls and weaker pumping in over 11,000 adults.
- On Wednesday, the European Heart Journal published a study linking bedroom light exposure of more than 3 lux to structural changes in the heart, including thickened left-ventricle walls and reduced chamber efficiency.
- Analyzing data from more than 11,000 Biobank participants, researchers utilized wrist sensors over seven days to track nighttime light exposure and later assessed heart structure via MRI three years later.
- Andrew Freeman, director of cardiovascular prevention and wellness at National Jewish Health in Denver, described the heart muscle thickening as cardiac "remodeling," noting "we don't want the heart muscle to get thick."
- Karl Lawrence, a lecturer in the Institute of Pharmaceutical Science at King College London, cautioned that wrist sensors may poorly proxy eye exposure, while other factors like stress account for the remaining 51% of risk.
- Experts recommend maintaining bedroom darkness near 1 lux using blackout curtains or sleep masks, as clinicians increasingly consider reducing nighttime light exposure a potential strategy for preventing heart disease.
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Your bedroom glow might be quietly damaging your heart
Boston researchers linked nighttime light exposure to greater stress-related brain activity and inflamed arteries, signaling a higher risk of heart disease. The study suggests that artificial light at night disrupts normal stress responses, leading to chronic inflammation. Experts call for reducing unnecessary light in cities and homes to protect cardiovascular health.
·Encinitas, United States
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Total News Sources9
Leaning Left1Leaning Right1Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution78% Center
Bias Distribution
- 78% of the sources are Center
78% Center
11%
C 78%
11%
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