Bright City Lights Could Raise Your Stroke Risk

Living in a big city is exciting, but the bright lights at night might not be as harmless as they seem. A new study by the American Heart Association, released on March 25, 2024, shares some concerns. Researchers found that being around too much outdoor light at night could make it more likely for someone to have a stroke.What the Research SaysIn China, a study involving more than 28,000 people showed that those who were around the most artificial light at night had a 43% higher chance of getting cerebrovascular diseases like stroke. This was compared to people who lived in areas with less light. The study also links these findings to how artificial light at night can affect our heart health, making it a concern for both our hearts and brains.Dr. Jianbing Wang, one of the study's authors, mentioned that this is one of the first times we're seeing how night light could affect our brain's health. He suggests that people, especially in cities, might want to reduce their night-time light exposure.The Problem of Light PollutionAbout 80% of people worldwide live in places with a lot of light at night. This constant exposure can affect our sleep by reducing melatonin, a sleep hormone. Over time, poor sleep can lead to worse heart health.This study looked at adults in Ningbo, a big industrial city in China. It tracked their health from 2015 to 2021 and used satellite images to see how much light they were exposed to at night. Researchers found that out of the study group, 1,278 developed cerebrovascular disease, including 777 cases of ischemic stroke, which is when a clot stops blood flow to the brain.Tips to Cut Down on Light ExposureHere are four simple ways to reduce your exposure to outdoor light at night:Use blackout curtains or wear an eye mask to block out light when you sleep.Less screen time before bed. Devices can keep you awake.Choose softer, dimmer lights in the evening to help your body get ready for sleep.Get plenty of natural light during the day to help set your body clock.Trouble sleeping?Making small changes to how much artificial light you're around at nightUsing your phone late might be why, which means more screen time and more light exposure. A product like Zen+ from Valeo Health, with saffron extract, could help you sleep better. It's designed to help you relax and lower stress.By making small changes to how much artificial light you're around at night, you could improve your sleep and lower your risk of stroke. It's a simple step to take care of your health in the bright and bustling city life.Reference StudyThis information is based on a study published by the American Heart Association on March 25, 2024, linking outdoor light pollution to an increased risk of stroke.