People are often surprised by how even innocent habits can be the cause of their declining health. Many times, we take on these habits, maybe due to stress or due to work. However, it is important to understand the implications of it and how to counter its effects. A common habit that we all have is scrolling on our phones or watching the television before we go to sleep. Many people find it comforting to relax their minds like this. However, it may be doing more harm to your health than good. A new study suggests that a common habit, being exposed to light at night, might be increasing your chances of developing heart disease, heart failure, and stroke. Researchers found that people who had more light exposure from things like TVs, phones, and laptops during nighttime hours faced a higher risk of these serious heart-related problems. Tracking Light Exposure and Heart Health The study looked at data from nearly 89,000 people in Britain. These participants wore special wrist sensors that measured how much light they were exposed to. Their health was then followed using their medical records for almost 10 years. The results showed that those who had the most light exposure at night had a significantly higher risk: 23-32% higher risk of developing coronary artery disease (a common type of heart disease).42-47% higher risk of having a heart attack.28-32% more likely to suffer from an irregular heartbeat.28-30% more likely to experience a stroke.Who Might Be Most Affected? The researchers also noticed some specific trends. The links between more nighttime light exposure and heart failure or coronary artery disease were stronger for women. Meanwhile, the connections with heart failure and irregular heartbeat were more pronounced in younger people. The researchers concluded that "Night light exposure was a significant risk factor for developing cardiovascular diseases." They believe that "avoiding light at night may be a useful strategy for reducing risks of cardiovascular diseases," in addition to existing preventative measures.It's well-known that light at night can disrupt your circadian rhythm, which is your body's natural internal clock controlling your sleep-wake cycle. Previous studies have shown that people whose body clocks are often disrupted, like shift workers, are more prone to heart problems. Interestingly, the research, which analyzed a massive 13 million hours of light exposure data, also found a positive side. People who were exposed to brighter light during the day had lower risks of coronary heart disease, heart failure, and stroke. New Factor in Heart Health Prevention Experts behind the study stated that this was the first time night light had been identified as an important risk factor by looking at individuals' actual light exposure patterns and their heart health. They highlighted that heart diseases are a leading cause of illness and death worldwide. Current advice for preventing these diseases includes eating healthy, getting enough physical activity, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco. This study adds a new recommendation: avoiding night light could be a promising way to further prevent cardiovascular diseases.