Sleeping With a Night Light? Your Heart May Pay the Price
What Happened
A new study of more than 11,000 adults found that exposure to even low levels of light during sleep (above 3 lux, roughly equivalent to moonlight or light leaking under a door) was linked to changes in heart structure and function. Researchers found thicker heart muscle walls and reduced flexibility in the heart's chambers, early signs of potential heart dysfunction.
Key Takeaways
Researchers say nighttime light exposure may be an overlooked risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Reducing light from sources such as smartphones, alarm clocks, TVs, and outdoor lighting could help protect long-term heart health.