Can artificial light exposure have an effect on health? It may seem in females. A fresh research discovers that exposure to artificial light such as television at night can effectively boost women’s risk of weight gain and obesity.
Artificial Light At Night
Researchers observed nearly 44,000 women who were enrolled in the Sister Study group in a new study to see if night sleeping with artificial light (ALAN) can affect weight gain and obesity. At the time of the study, none of the women had a history of cancer or cardiovascular disease, and none were shift workers, daytime sleepers, or pregnant women.
There has been self-reported exposure to artificial light, and it can be in various forms such as a night light or a television. They are classified into no light, light outside the room, small room night light, and room light or TV.
For more than five years, the females followed up.
Higher Weight Gain And Obesity Risk
Interestingly, scientists discovered a positive association at the baseline of the research and during the follow-up between exposure to any ALAN and greater incidence of obesity. In particular, sleeping with a TV or night light in the room was connected with a weight gain of 5 kilograms or more, as well as an increase in body mass index of 10 percent relative to no ALAN.
The findings simply indicate that exposure to artificial light during nighttime sleep can be a risk factor for weight gain and eventual overweight and obesity.
Socioeconomic Disadvantage And Unhealthy Behaviors
Having said that, scientists also notice the likelihood that artificial light exposure may also be an indicator of a socio-economic disadvantage or unhealthy behaviour, things that also contribute to weight gain and obesity. Further studies are necessary as such.
As for the present research, it sheds light on the variables contributing to obesity, a situation that is already regarded to be a pandemic, and it demonstrates that sleeping without artificial light may be a helpful intervention to prevent weight gain and obesity.
