Health Implications: Light at Night

New research confirms that experiencing higher levels of light at night may not be healthy for people, particularly pregnant ones.  A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Maternal Fetal Medicinereports that “Pregnant adults who had greater light exposure three hours prior to sleep had a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes than those who had less exposure during this period. . . . Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. It can cause harm to both mother and baby. Studies show that the condition is on the rise nationwide.  Recent studies show that greater exposure to light at night may cause impaired glucose regulation in non-pregnant adults. . . . Common sources of light at night include televisions, laptops, tablets, and cell phones.”

“Greater Light Exposure Prior to Sleep May Raise Risk of Gestational Diabetes.”  2023.  Press release, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/news/2023/greater-light-exposure-prior-sleep-may-raise-risk-gestational-diabetes