Are you attracted to bright lights and the big city? Do you get excited to see the Eiffel Tower light up at night, the flashing signs in Vegas, or the never-ending twinkle of lights in Tokyo? According to Science Daily, Urban luminosity might carry an unseen price, as recent studies hint at a connection between nocturnal light exposure and a heightened likelihood of stroke.
Spearheaded by a research team from Zhejiang University School of Medicine in Hangzhou, China, the research highlights the critical need to tackle light pollution as an adjustable environmental determinant for cerebrovascular disorders. This investigation brings to the forefront the effects of man-man evening light, urging a reevaluation of our interaction with city lights and their possible impacts on community health.
The study, conducted in a city renowned for its significant light pollution, analyzed data from over 28,000 individuals. Using satellite imagery to measure light pollution levels, the researchers discovered a troubling link: increased exposure to outdoor nighttime light was associated with a higher risk of cerebrovascular diseases. This finding underscores the potential health risks of our illuminated urban environments, emphasizing the need to reconsider urban lighting practices.
The findings revealed a striking 43% surge in the risk of cerebrovascular diseases, including stroke incidents, stemming from both arterial blockages and cerebral hemorrhages, underscoring the broad-rearing effects of light pollution on brain health. A key factor in this relationship may be the hindrance of melatonin production, an essential hormone for sleep regulation.
I also question cell phone use at night and their use by children, in particular.
The pervasive presence of intense artificial light at night can disturb the body’s innate circadian rhythms, deteriorating sleep quality and potentially heightening the danger of stroke. This emphasizes the critical need to focus on sleep wellness and reduce exposure to light at night, thereby safeguarding brain health.