Exposure to light at night is linked to changes in the structure and function of the heart, and may be one of the factors that increase the risk of developing cardiovascular problems, according to a recent study involving more than 11,000 people.
The study, published in the European Journal of Cardiology, was led by Professor Lu Qi of Tulane University in New Orleans, where his team investigated the effect of nighttime light exposure on the heart over time.
The study included 11,071 participants from the UK Biobank, all of whom wore light sensors on their wrists for seven days to measure their nighttime light exposure levels. Three years later, the participants underwent cardiac MRI scans to assess the structure and function of their hearts.
The researchers compared people who were exposed to light levels exceeding 3 "lux", a unit of measurement for light intensity, with those who were exposed to very low levels of light during the night.
The results showed that exposure to high levels of light at night was associated with increased thickness of the left ventricular wall and a reduction in the chamber's internal space, along with indications of decreased cardiac muscle efficiency in contraction and relaxation. Researchers also observed changes in the right ventricle and left atrium.
Lu Chi said the study is the first of its kind to link exposure to high levels of light at night with what is known as "cardiac remodeling," a process in which the structure and function of the heart change in response to chronic stress or heart injury, and which in advanced stages may lead to heart failure.
He added that the results, along with previous evidence, suggest that light pollution may represent a potential new risk factor for cardiovascular disease, calling for the inclusion of reducing nighttime light exposure among potential prevention strategies.
In an editorial accompanying the study, Professor Thomas Münzel and his colleagues called on physicians to pay attention to the sleep environment, particularly for patients with heart failure or atrial fibrillation, by asking about the darkness of the bedroom, working night shifts, and using screens after sunset.
The researchers pointed out that exposure to light at night can be reduced through simple measures, such as using blackout curtains, choosing warm-colored lighting, and covering small LED lights in household appliances.
At the city level, light pollution can be reduced by using downward-facing lighting units, lamps with a warm light spectrum, and lighting systems that can dim the light intensity or operate using motion sensors.
Although the study shows a link between exposure to light at night and changes in heart structure and function, the researchers stress the need for further studies to determine the nature of this relationship and whether reducing exposure to light at night can improve heart health.
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