The findings of research published in the journal ′SLEEP′ stated that even low light can cause sleep disturbances in older persons, raising their chance of developing major health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.

Researchers were astonished to find that less than half of the 552 study participants consistently had five hours of complete darkness per day. While the rest were exposed to some light even during their five darkest hours of the day, which were typically in the middle of their sleep at night. When compared to those who were not exposed to any light throughout the night, older men and women between the ages of 63 and 84 who slept at night with even minimal exposure to any amount of light were considerably more likely to be obese, have high blood pressure, and have diabetes.

Light exposure was assessed using a wrist-worn device for seven days. Obese, diabetic, and hypertensive people or someone who has diabetes-related foot numbness may be more inclined to use the restroom in the middle of the night with lights on for safety reasons.

The researchers further advised, using low lighting that is closer to the floor, using amber or red/orange light since they are less stimulating to the brain, and dim lighting for elderly persons. They also encouraged using blackout shades or eye masks to prevent light from shining on the face directly.

Further research is needed to determine whether the restoration of the natural light-dark cycle enhances health outcomes like cognition. (Hindustan Times, Jun 23, 2022).