Do you often sleep with your curtains open, allowing the soft glow of a street lighting to fill your room? Although this behavior could seem soothing, you might want to reconsider because it could be harmful to your heart. According to a June 2025 study, night light is an intriguing—and rather unexpected—risk factor for heart disease.
The internal clock of the body is impacted
According to the study, a dark environment is essential for restful sleep, which in turn supports heart health. Night light exposure has a negative impact on heart health. This is due to the fact that natural light is essential for our bodies to sleep and wake. This internal clock, commonly referred to as the circadian rhythm, regulates blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and many other physiological processes in addition to controlling bedtime routines. However, artificial light throws this body rhythm out of equilibrium. Artificial light comes from a variety of sources at night, such as TVs, smartphones, and street lighting.
The study identified the mechanism of hypercoagulability, or the increased risk of blood clots, and determined that a disrupted circadian rhythm is one of the causes in order to better grasp the biological reasoning.
What does this signify?
Over the course of a week, 88,905 adults wore wrist sensors to track their exposure to light, providing the researchers with data. Then, the follow-ups continued for more than ten years. The chances of coronary artery disease, heart attack, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and stroke were higher for those in the top 10% who were exposed to a lot of light at night. Additional genetic and secondary lifestyle factors were also considered.
The study also emphasized that this does not demonstrate a direct cause-and-effect link, but rather an association or correlation. Women are especially vulnerable to heart failure and coronary artery disease, and younger persons are particularly at risk for atrial fibrillation in addition to heart failure.
Avoiding using a phone right before bed, turning off or reducing bedroom lights, and sleeping with the curtains drawn are all doable actions that can improve your heart health.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.
