A new study found that keeping lights off while you sleep may do more than help you rest — it could protect your heart. Researchers followed nearly 89,000 adults for nine years and discovered that people exposed to bright light during sleep had a 56% higher risk of heart failure and a 32% higher risk of coronary artery disease. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, suggests that even small amounts of light at night may harm heart health.
Light exposure while sleeping can throw off your body’s natural clock, known as the circadian rhythm. This clock helps control things like heart rate, blood pressure, and metabolism. When it’s disrupted, it can raise stress hormones, increase inflammation, and put more strain on your heart. The study found that bright indoor lights were the most harmful, while getting more light in the morning seemed to help heart health.
Experts say small changes can make a big difference. Try turning off screens, dimming lamps, using blackout curtains, or wearing an eye mask to block light. While the study doesn’t prove light directly causes heart problems, it adds to growing evidence that darkness at night is important for both better sleep and a healthier heart.
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