Yes, excessive night light can be detrimental to health. Exposure to artificial light at night disrupts natural sleep patterns and has been linked to several health issues.
Negative Effects of Excessive Night Light
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Heart Health: Preliminary research indicates that even dim light during sleep can negatively affect heart function, increasing heart rate and the risk of high blood pressure in some individuals. These changes elevate the risk of developing heart disease. [Source: Preliminary research suggests that even a dim light during sleep. View Source can affect how the heart functions. Sleeping with a light on has been shown to increase heart rate and the risk for high blood pressure in some groups. These changes increase the chance of developing heart disease.16-Oct-2023]
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Melatonin Suppression: Artificial light at night suppresses melatonin production. Melatonin is a hormone crucial for regulating sleep-wake cycles. Disruption of melatonin levels is linked to various health problems. [Source: Studies show artificial light at night can suppress melatonin levels, and scientists have found a link between the disruption of melatonin and… https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/04/01/1089997121/light-disrupts-sleep]
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Sleep Disruption: Light signals the brain to be awake. Even a small amount of light in the bedroom can interfere with sleep quality and duration. [Source: And light in the bedroom is a bad idea. Light signals the brain that it's time to be awake. We want to send the opposite message at bedtime and… https://familysleepinstitute.com/blog/2020/07/20/i-put-a-night-light-in-my-babys-room-so-she-wont-be-afraid-of-the-dark-and-other-well-meant-but-misguided-parenting-mistakes/]
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Other Potential Issues: While less extensively studied, excessive night light may also affect other aspects of health and well-being. For example, some find that complete darkness can cause problems, while others note excessive light can cause issues. The optimal amount of light varies widely depending on individual needs and sensitivities.
Finding the Right Balance
The ideal amount of nighttime lighting is highly individualized. A dim nightlight may be beneficial for some, providing comfort and security without significantly disrupting sleep. However, bright lights should be avoided in bedrooms.
