Nighttime light exposure linked to cardiac structural changes

A new study published in the European Heart Journal suggests that excessive exposure to light during the night may alter the structure and function of the heart. The research investigated the link between nighttime light pollution and cardiac remodeling.

Using data from 11,071 volunteers from the UK Biobank, researchers utilized wrist-worn light sensors to measure nocturnal exposure over a seven-day period. Three years later, participants underwent cardiac MRIs to examine heart health. The study compared individuals exposed to light levels exceeding 3 lux—roughly equivalent to a small nightlight—against those with almost no nocturnal light exposure.