Study: Exposure to Bright Light During Sleep Increases the Risk of Heart Failure and Stroke

A recent study conducted by researchers at Flinders University in Australia has revealed a strong link between exposure to bright light during sleep and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.

The researchers found that people who sleep with lights on — especially ceiling lamps — are more likely to develop serious health problems such as heart failure, stroke, and heart attacks.

According to the scientists, nighttime light disrupts the body’s natural circadian rhythm and inhibits the secretion of melatonin, the sleep hormone. This hormonal imbalance keeps the body in a state of involuntary alertness throughout the night, leading to an increased heart rate, higher blood pressure, and greater insulin resistance — all of which overload the circulatory system and heighten cardiovascular risks.

Experts recommend maintaining complete darkness while sleeping and avoiding bright screens before bedtime, emphasizing that protecting the body’s natural sleep cycle is a simple yet effective way to prevent heart disease.