Exposure to light could have a significant impact on mental well-being, as per a recent study in Nature Mental Health. Specifically, engaging in late-night phone scrolling or watching television could potentially have detrimental effects on one’s mental health. Moreover, heightened exposure to nighttime light may elevate the likelihood of various mental health conditions, spanning from anxiety to bipolar disorder. On the flip side, substantial exposure to daytime light may offer potential mental health benefits.
There is mounting evidence suggesting that maintaining healthy circadian rhythms is crucial for mental well-being, as disturbances in sleep patterns have been linked to a range of psychiatric disorders. These circadian rhythms, in turn, are influenced by the patterns of light exposure during both the day and night.
Stable circadian rhythms have developed in living organisms in response to the dependable cycle of daytime light and nighttime darkness. However, in contemporary society, people predominantly stay indoors for most of the day, exposed to artificial electric lighting that is comparatively dim in comparison to natural daylight and remains bright during the night. This interference with the natural light patterns can subsequently disrupt circadian rhythms, potentially leading to psychiatric disorders and detrimental mental health effects.
Effects of Light on Well-being
The global team of researchers undertook an extensive cross-sectional analysis of sleep, exposure to light, mental well-being, and physical activity. involving nearly 87,000 participants – making it the largest-ever study on light exposure and mental health – the aim was to explore the relationship between daytime and nighttime light exposure and the potential risk of self-harm and psychiatric disorders.
The findings indicate a connection between artificial light exposure, especially during nighttime, and an elevated likelihood of experiencing conditions such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and an increased risk of self-harm. Additionally, the study unveiled a 30% rise in the risk of depression for individuals exposed to high levels of light during the nighttime.
On the flip side, the study highlights the favourable outcomes of significant exposure to daylight. The results indicate that ample daylight exposure may reduce the risk of depression by 20 percent and is also linked to a decreased risk of other mental health issues. In essence, exposure to daylight represents a straightforward, non-pharmacological method for safeguarding one’s mental health. Professor Sean W. Cain, one of the researchers from Monash University, stressed that their discoveries hold the potential to significantly impact society. When individuals become aware that their light exposure patterns have a profound influence on their mental well-being, they can take straightforward measures to improve their overall health, which includes seeking ample daylight during the day and embracing darkness at night.
It is also interesting to note that the influence of nighttime light exposure on mental well-being was consistent across diverse demographic groups and remained unaffected by factors such as physical activity levels, season, or employment status.
The Influence of Our Modern Lifestyle
Conclusively, nighttime lighting, especially exposure to blue light – through phones, laptops, and other electronics – disrupts the circadian rhythm by suppressing the production of melatonin, a hormone that naturally reaches its peak at night to facilitate a peaceful night’s sleep and regulate the circadian sleep cycle. It is well-researched that sleep disruption plays a pivotal role in both triggering and sustaining mood disorders.
Human brains have evolved to function optimally under bright daylight conditions, but contemporary lifestyles have disrupted this natural pattern. The findings of this recent study underscore the importance of developing routines that harmonize with our inherent circadian rhythms. This entails encouraging daytime light exposure and reducing it during the nighttime.
