"That probably means that the light level that was getting through the eyes was not really bright enough to suppress melatonin," says Zee. Though here, too, the study did not find evidence that melatonin levels were lower among the people sleeping with the light on. Studies show artificial light at night can suppress melatonin levels, and scientists have found a link between the disruption of melatonin and several diseases, including cancer and diabetes. Melatonin is typically suppressed during the day and rises at night. The researchers also measured levels of melatonin, a hormone that helps with the timing of circadian rhythms and promotes sleep. The small, 20-person study conducted by Zee and her team at Northwestern was designed to measure the physiological effects of 100 lux of artificial light on healthy adults while they were sleeping. ![]() The findings tie into a broader body of evidence that indicates being exposed to light at night may be harmful in a variety of ways and could predispose people to chronic diseases. Phyllis Zee, senior author of the new study and director of the Center for Circadian and Sleep Medicine at Northwestern University. "I was surprised that even this fairly, I would say, small amount of light just getting through the eyes to the brain still had such notable effect," says Dr. New research suggests that one night of sleep with just a moderate amount of light may have adverse effects on cardiovascular and metabolic health. Many Americans sleep in a room that's punctuated with some form of artificial light - whether it's coming from a TV, a jumble of electronics or an intrusive streetlight. ![]() Turning off the lights and closing the curtains isn't exactly a catchy, new sleep hygiene hack, but this common sense advice is gaining even more scientific credibility.
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