The Dangers of Artificial Light and How It Affects The Body

Artificial light has become an integral part of modern life, but it can also have negative effects on the body when not managed properly. Here are some of the key dangers associated with artificial light and how it affects the body:

1. Circadian Rhythm Disruption: One of the most significant dangers of artificial light is its potential to disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm. Exposure to artificial light, especially in the evening, can confuse the body’s internal clock, making it difficult to fall asleep and leading to a host of health issues, including sleep disturbances, insomnia, and increased risk of metabolic and mood disorders.
2. Blue Light Emission: Many artificial light sources, including LED lights and electronic screens, emit a high proportion of blue light. Blue light exposure in the evening can suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep, making it harder to get restful sleep and contributing to sleep-related problems.
3. Eye Strain: Prolonged exposure to screens, such as those on computers, smartphones, and tablets, can lead to digital eye strain. This can result in symptoms like dry eyes, blurred vision, eye fatigue, and headaches.
4. Metabolic Disruption: Disruption of the circadian rhythm due to artificial light exposure can also lead to metabolic disorders. Irregular eating patterns and late-night eating, often associated with poor sleep, may contribute to weight gain, obesity, and related health issues.
5. Mood and Mental Health: Circadian rhythm disruption and sleep disturbances caused by artificial light exposure can affect mental health, contributing to conditions like depression, anxiety, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Seasonal changes in light exposure can exacerbate these issues in some individuals.
6. Increased Cancer Risk: Some studies suggest that chronic exposure to artificial light at night, especially in shift work situations, may be linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, including breast and prostate cancer. The exact mechanisms are still under investigation.
7. Retinal Health: Exposure to intense artificial light sources, such as those from welding, laser equipment, or staring at the sun, can damage the retina, potentially leading to eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration.
8. Hormone Disruption: Disruption of circadian rhythms and sleep patterns can affect hormone regulation, potentially leading to hormonal imbalances that affect various bodily functions.

To mitigate the dangers of artificial light on the body, individuals can take several measures:

1. Limit Screen Time: Reduce screen time, especially in the evening, and use blue light filters or blue light-blocking glasses.
2. Use Warmer Lighting: Choose warmer, less blue light-emitting light bulbs for evening use to minimise circadian disruption.
3. Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment: Maintain a consistent sleep schedule and ensure your bedroom is dark and quiet for better sleep quality.
4. Spend Time Outdoors: Exposure to natural light during the day helps maintain a healthy circadian rhythm and can improve overall well-being.
5. Minimise Night Shift Work: If possible, avoid or limit night shift work to reduce the impact of artificial light on your health.

Understanding the potential dangers of artificial light and its impact on the body can help individuals make informed choices to protect their health and well-being, particularly when it comes to managing exposure to artificial light in the evening and during the night.

References

Cajochen, C., Frey, S., Anders, D., Späti, J., Bues, M., Pross, A., … & Wirz-Justice, A. (2011). Evening exposure to a light-emitting diodes (LED)-backlit computer screen affects circadian physiology and cognitive performance. Journal of Applied Physiology, 110(5), 1432-1438.
-https://journals.physiology.org/doi/epdf/10.1152/japplphysiol.00165.2011

Chang, A. M., Aeschbach, D., Duffy, J. F., & Czeisler, C. A. (2015). Evening use of light-emitting eReaders negatively affects sleep, circadian timing, and next-morning alertness. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 112(4), 1232-1237.
-https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25535358/

Higuchi, S., Motohashi, Y., Liu, Y., & Maeda, A. (2005). Effects of VDT tasks with a bright display at night on melatonin, core temperature, heart rate, and sleepiness. Journal of Applied Physiology, 94(5), 1773-1776.
-https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12533495/

American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2021). How to Protect Your Eyes From the Dangers of Blue Light.
-https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/should-you-be-worried-about-blue-light

National Institute of General Medical Sciences. (2017). Circadian Rhythms Fact Sheet.
-https://www.nigms.nih.gov/education/fact-sheets/Documents/fact-sheet-circadian-rhythms.pdf

American Cancer Society. (2020). Artificial Light at Night and Cancer: Global Study.
Redhwan A. Al-Naggar, Shirin Anil
-https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5454613/pdf/APJCP-17-4661.pdf

Harvard Health Publishing. (2020). Blue Light Has a Dark Side.
-https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/blue-light-has-a-dark-side

Harvard Health Publishing. (2019). Will blue light from electronic devices increase my risk of macular degeneration and blindness?
-https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/will-blue-light-from-electronic-devices-increase-my-risk-of-macular-degeneration-and-blindness-2019040816365

The Vision Council. (2016). Digital Eye Strain Report.
-https://thevisioncouncilfoundation.org/digital-eye-strain/

Ostrin, L. A. (2017). Ocular and systemic melatonin and the influence of light exposure. Clinical and Experimental Optometry, 100(4), 383-387.
-https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30074278/

This article is copyrighted by Ital is Vital, 2024. Want to re-post this article? Visit our guidelines.

 

DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this website is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.