Many are unaware: the small nighttime habit that could harm your health

A new study points to a hidden health risk: sleeping with light in the room, even a dim one, may harm the heart. An analysis of sleep habits of over 11,000 participants found a link between nighttime light exposure and thickening of the heart muscle walls, which could lead to heart failure. Researchers recommend darkening the bedroom as much as possible.

A new study published in a scientific cardiology journal points to a health risk many are unaware of: sleeping with light in the room, even at a very low intensity, may harm the heart. Researchers analyzed the sleep habits of over 11,000 participants and found that light exposure during sleep was linked to thickening of the heart muscle walls. Such thickening can impair the heart's ability to contract and relax properly, and is considered a sign that may indicate impaired heart function and increase the risk of heart failure. The researchers note that even small light sources like a phone screen, a digital alarm clock, or street light seeping through the window can be significant. According to the study, the effect may be related to shortened sleep duration and impaired sleep quality, as well as biological changes including increased stress levels and changes in blood pressure and heart rate. However, the researchers emphasize that further studies are needed to establish a definitive causal link. The main recommendation is to make the bedroom as dark as possible using blackout curtains and covering small light sources.