Medical
Save your health
Research suggests that artificial light at night negatively affects human health, increasing risks for obesity, depression, sleep disorders, diabetes, breast cancer and more.
Most people living in cities, do not experience truly dark nights. Humans like all life on Earth are governed by the day-night cycle, with artificial light creating an endless day to our cells.
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Check out these Medical Resources
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Blue Light and Sleep Through the Lens of Older Adulthood
Blue Light Hazards
Urban Emissions and Nightlights
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Here are some things to consider...
Nighttime exposure to artificial light suppresses melatonin production. Melatonin is a hormone that has antioxidant properties, induces sleep, boosts the immune system, lowers cholesterol, and helps the functioning of the thyroid, pancreas, ovaries, testes and adrenal glands.
Poorly shielded outdoor lighting causes glare and decreases vision by reducing contrast. This limits our ability to see potential dangers at night. Ageing eyes are especially affected.
Computer screens, TVs, and other electronic displays and most LEDs create abundant blue light, which is particularly harmful at night. Download apps like nightshade on your devices to reduce blue light impacts.
Choose warm coloured light bulbs or low colour temperature light sources (less than 3000k) for interior and exterior light. This light is less harsh and less harmful to human health and the environment.
Want to know more?
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We recommend the below resources:
2016 American Medical Association report
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Higher colour temperatures mean bluer light, the kind that should be avoided after dusk.