New Delhi: A recent study has issued a warning that prolonged exposure to artificial light at night can have serious consequences for heart health. The research revealed that excessive nighttime illumination not only disrupts sleep quality but also disturbs the body’s circadian rhythm—the internal biological clock that regulates daily cycles.
This disruption directly impacts the heart. When we stay in bright light late at night—whether from room lights, mobile screens, or streetlights—the body perceives it as daytime and remains in an “awake state.” As a result, the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep, decreases. This leads to elevated blood pressure, a faster heart rate, and increased inflammation in the body. Over time, these changes heighten the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes.
The study further found that individuals exposed to higher levels of light at night—such as those who sleep with bright lights on or use mobile phones late into the night—face a significantly greater risk of developing heart-related illnesses.
