Q: Every night I snooze with the TV on, my daughter says I should switch it off because "blue light" is bad for my health. Is this true?
potential heart damage from blue light exposure?
Let's face it, we all indulge in late-night TV or screen time on electronics like TVs, laptops, and smartphones. It's not that these gadgets are innately harmful, but they do have a tricky side. Research reveals they can disrupt sleep and prevent the deep, rejuvenating slumber our body needs.
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It's no secret that fragmented sleep has been linked to increased inflammation and an early kickstart of atherosclerosis. Those who wake frequently during the night are at a greater risk of developing atrial fibrillation.
Recent findings have shown that exposure to artificial light while snoozing, including blue light from TVs and lamps, could lead to a 17% increased risk of gaining approximately 11 pounds and a 33% risk of obesity in women. Although it's challenging to verify that light exposure directly triggers weight gain, other studies suggest that interrupted sleep eventually leads to sleep deprivation.
When you're sleep-deprived, your body craves carbohydrates for energy. This love affair with carbs likely explains the connection to weight gain, as well as the greater risk of developing metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
So, listen to your daughter and unplug the TV. It might take a few nights to become accustomed to silence, but when you do, rest assured, you'll sleep more soundly and hopefully stay healthy.
- Cardiologist Leslie Cho, MD
- Science has shown that exposure to blue light during sleep, such as from TVs, can increase the risk of weight gain by 17% and the risk of obesity in women.
- Poor sleep quality, often due to blue light exposure, has been linked to an increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes, which are related to mental-health-and-wellness issues.
- Therapies-and-treatments for sleep disorders often recommend avoiding blue light exposure during the night to ensure better health, due to its negative effects on sleep and the potential risks associated with weight management and mental health.
