Say goodbye to those nightlights, and hello to blackout curtains because sleeping with light can cause you health problems.
According to a new study published in Sleep Research Society, adults who sleep with some lights on at night puts a person at a higher risk of heart diseases.
Over 500 men and women aged 63-84 were examined as part of the study using a wristwatch styled device to monitor the heart rate of participants.
The results were clear. For those who slept with even minimal light, researchers noted there was an elevated heart rate.
Senior study author, Phyllis Zee M.D., chief of sleep medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, reported, "Exposure to any amount of light during the sleep period was correlated with the higher prevalence of diabetes, obesity and hypertension in both older men and women."
Prior to this study it was discovered that an elevated heart rate at night can increase risk of future heart disease and early death, which in turn can cause higher blood sugar levels and can lead to type 2 diabetes.
According to the study even dim light manages to enter the eyelids and disrupted sleep despite having your eyes closed. Zee has reported that even small amounts of light can create a deficit of slow wave and rapid eye movement sleep, the stages of sleep the greatest cellular renewal occurs.
Guidance to Reduce Light While Sleeping
Rule 1. Avoid Electronics
The blue light of a phone or laptop can mess with your ability to get to sleep. So, it’s better to keep it off the bed and resist the temptation of checking it during the night or right before bed. If you also enjoy falling asleep to the TV, maybe set a timer so that it will turn off around the time you fall asleep.
Rule 2. Use blackout curtains
Blackout curtain will prevent any unwanted sunlight from penetrating into your room. This is particularly helpful for those who may have a nocturnal schedule and find themselves going to bed during daylight hours.
Rule 3. Don’t turn on any lights if you get up in the middle of the night
We’ve all been there, but if you can help it, don’t turn on any lights on your way to the bathroom or to get that glass of water. The lights may shock your body and trick you into thinking it’s time to wake up for good and will make going back to sleep much harder.
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