Ever wondered why we are always advised to turn off lights before going to sleep? Or why are we asked to stop browsing mobile phones before bed time? Well, this behavioural practice has a scientific explanation.
According to a study presented in 2022 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, "a single night of exposure to room light during sleep can impair glucose homeostasis, potentially via increased SNS activation. Attention to avoiding exposure to light at night during sleep may be beneficial for cardiometabolic health."
This study tested whether sleeping with lights on at night affects blood sugar levels the next morning and why this might happen. Researchers looked at whether poor sleep quality, lower melatonin levels, or increased nervous system activity played a role.
Twenty young adults participated in the study. One group (10 people) slept one night in dim light and the next night with bright overhead lighting. The other group (10 people) slept in dim light for two nights.
The findings indicated that individuals who slept in bright light had increased morning insulin resistance, i.e., their bodies found it harder to regulate blood sugar. Individuals who slept in bright light had lower deep sleep and REM sleep duration, higher heart rate, and evidence of greater nervous system activity. Higher nervous system activity was associated with higher insulin resistance.
Why do Japanese people drink vinegar before every meal?
"This study provides insight into the physiological mechanisms underlying the relationship between nighttime light exposure, specifically during sleep, with cardiometabolic function. The primary finding of this study is that exposure to a single night of room light (100 lx) during sleep increased measures of insulin resistance the next morning," the researchers have said.
In short, the researchers found, even one night of sleeping with bright lights can negatively affect blood sugar levels, likely due to its impact on the nervous system. To support better metabolic health, it may be helpful to avoid light exposure during sleep.
The key lies in ensuring you have a proper sleep routine
Have a regular sleeping time by sleeping and waking up at the same hour every day, even on the weekends. This is to set your body's internal clock and enhance the quality of sleep.
Develop a calming pre-sleep routine by not using screens at least one hour prior to bedtime. The blue light emitted from electronics can disrupt melatonin secretion, which makes it difficult to sleep. Try reading or meditating instead.
Make your sleeping conditions comfortable. Cool, dark, and quiet room conditions are recommended. Invest in a good mattress and pillow for supporting correct posture and deep sleep.
According to a study presented in 2022 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, "a single night of exposure to room light during sleep can impair glucose homeostasis, potentially via increased SNS activation. Attention to avoiding exposure to light at night during sleep may be beneficial for cardiometabolic health."
This study tested whether sleeping with lights on at night affects blood sugar levels the next morning and why this might happen. Researchers looked at whether poor sleep quality, lower melatonin levels, or increased nervous system activity played a role.
Twenty young adults participated in the study. One group (10 people) slept one night in dim light and the next night with bright overhead lighting. The other group (10 people) slept in dim light for two nights.
The findings indicated that individuals who slept in bright light had increased morning insulin resistance, i.e., their bodies found it harder to regulate blood sugar. Individuals who slept in bright light had lower deep sleep and REM sleep duration, higher heart rate, and evidence of greater nervous system activity. Higher nervous system activity was associated with higher insulin resistance.
Why do Japanese people drink vinegar before every meal?
"This study provides insight into the physiological mechanisms underlying the relationship between nighttime light exposure, specifically during sleep, with cardiometabolic function. The primary finding of this study is that exposure to a single night of room light (100 lx) during sleep increased measures of insulin resistance the next morning," the researchers have said.
In short, the researchers found, even one night of sleeping with bright lights can negatively affect blood sugar levels, likely due to its impact on the nervous system. To support better metabolic health, it may be helpful to avoid light exposure during sleep.
The key lies in ensuring you have a proper sleep routine
Have a regular sleeping time by sleeping and waking up at the same hour every day, even on the weekends. This is to set your body's internal clock and enhance the quality of sleep.
Develop a calming pre-sleep routine by not using screens at least one hour prior to bedtime. The blue light emitted from electronics can disrupt melatonin secretion, which makes it difficult to sleep. Try reading or meditating instead.
Make your sleeping conditions comfortable. Cool, dark, and quiet room conditions are recommended. Invest in a good mattress and pillow for supporting correct posture and deep sleep.
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