Health and Me

Itisha Arya

Lights On While Sleeping Could Quietly Damage Heart Health, Study Warns

sleeping with lights on heart risk

Keeping the television on while falling asleep or leaving a light on in the bedroom may feel reassuring, but new international research suggests it could seriously affect heart health. A recent study has found that exposure to light at night significantly raises the risk of heart disease, even if a person believes they are sleeping well.

<h2><span rel="noindex">Sleeping With Lights On</span> Could Harm Your Heart, Study Warns </h2>

The findings come from a large, long-term study carried out by researchers in Australia and the United States. The team followed nearly 90,000 adults in the United Kingdom over a period of nine years. Participants were given light sensors to accurately measure how much light they were exposed to during sleep.

Researchers tracked cases of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke throughout the study period. The results were striking. Compared to people who slept in complete darkness, those exposed to light at night faced a 56 percent higher risk of cardiovascular problems. The risk of heart failure increased by 47 percent, while the likelihood of coronary artery disease rose by 32 percent. The study noted that this risk was particularly higher among women. The <span>risk of stroke</span> was also found to be up to 30 percent higher.

<h2>Why Night-Time Light Is Dangerous</h2>

According to the research, published in JAMA Network Open, the main reason behind this increased risk is disruption of the body’s circadian rhythm. This internal biological clock regulates sleep, hormone release, metabolism, and other vital functions.

Artificial light at night interferes with this natural rhythm, pushing the body into a state of imbalance. Over time, this ongoing disruption places added strain on the cardiovascular system. Researchers warned that for people over the age of 40, exposure to light during sleep is emerging as a significant risk factor for heart disease.

Professor Frank Scheer, a neuroscientist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, believes doctors should look beyond sleep duration when assessing patients’ sleep habits. He says physicians should also ask about bedroom conditions, including light exposure.

“There is no harm in keeping the bedroom completely dark,” he explained. “In fact, it is extremely beneficial for overall health.”

<h2>Simple Tips For Better, Heart-Healthy Sleep</h2>

Experts suggest a few practical steps to reduce light exposure at night:

<ul><li>Turn off the television, mobile phones, and laptops before going to bed</li><li>If light is needed for safety, keep it below 5 lux, roughly equivalent to the soft glow of a few candles</li><li>Use thick, dark curtains to block out streetlights and outside glare</li><li>Sleeping in darkness may seem like a small change, but researchers say it could play an important role in protecting heart health over time.</li></ul>

Researchers also noted that many people underestimate how much light they are exposed to at night. Even dim sources such as alarm clocks, charging indicators, or light filtering in from nearby buildings can affect the body’s natural night-time processes. Over years, this low-level but constant exposure may quietly increase the risk of high blood pressure, insulin resistance, and weight gain, all of which are closely linked to heart disease. The study reinforces a growing body of evidence that sleep quality is shaped not just by how long we sleep, but by the environment we sleep in.

Health Conditions A-Z

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sleeping with lights on

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night light health risks

heart disease risk

risk of heart attack

risk of stroke

heart failure risk

circadian rhythm disruption

sleep environment and heart health

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Keeping the television on while falling asleep or leaving a light on in the bedroom may feel reassuring, but new international research suggests it could seriously affect heart health. A recent study has found that exposure to light at night significantly raises the risk of heart disease, even if a person believes they are sleeping well.Sleeping With Lights On Could Harm Your Heart, Study Warns The findings come from a large, long-term study carried out by researchers in Australia and the United States. The team followed nearly 90,000 adults in the United Kingdom over a period of nine years. Participants were given light sensors to accurately measure how much light they were exposed to during sleep.Researchers tracked cases of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke throughout the study period. The results were striking. Compared to people who slept in complete darkness, those exposed to light at night faced a 56 percent higher risk of cardiovascular problems. The risk of heart failure increased by 47 percent, while the likelihood of coronary artery disease rose by 32 percent. The study noted that this risk was particularly higher among women. The risk of stroke was also found to be up to 30 percent higher.Why Night-Time Light Is DangerousAccording to the research, published in JAMA Network Open, the main reason behind this increased risk is disruption of the body’s circadian rhythm. This internal biological clock regulates sleep, hormone release, metabolism, and other vital functions.Artificial light at night interferes with this natural rhythm, pushing the body into a state of imbalance. Over time, this ongoing disruption places added strain on the cardiovascular system. Researchers warned that for people over the age of 40, exposure to light during sleep is emerging as a significant risk factor for heart disease.Professor Frank Scheer, a neuroscientist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, believes doctors should look beyond sleep duration when assessing patients’ sleep habits. He says physicians should also ask about bedroom conditions, including light exposure.“There is no harm in keeping the bedroom completely dark,” he explained. “In fact, it is extremely beneficial for overall health.”Simple Tips For Better, Heart-Healthy SleepExperts suggest a few practical steps to reduce light exposure at night:Turn off the television, mobile phones, and laptops before going to bedIf light is needed for safety, keep it below 5 lux, roughly equivalent to the soft glow of a few candlesUse thick, dark curtains to block out streetlights and outside glareSleeping in darkness may seem like a small change, but researchers say it could play an important role in protecting heart health over time.Researchers also noted that many people underestimate how much light they are exposed to at night. Even dim sources such as alarm clocks, charging indicators, or light filtering in from nearby buildings can affect the body’s natural night-time processes. Over years, this low-level but constant exposure may quietly increase the risk of high blood pressure, insulin resistance, and weight gain, all of which are closely linked to heart disease. The study reinforces a growing body of evidence that sleep quality is shaped not just by how long we sleep, but by the environment we sleep in.