# Nighttime light exposure and cardiovascular health > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nighttime-light-exposure-and-cardiovascular-health > Updated: 2026-09-12T10:32:10.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 2. Research published in the European Heart Journal indicates that nighttime light exposure is associated with adverse changes in heart structure and function. A study involving researchers from Tulane University and Harvard University analyzed data from 11,071 participants in the UK Biobank to investigate the link between light levels during sleep and cardiovascular health. Using wrist-worn sensors to measure light exposure over one week and cardiac MRI scans three years later, the study found that individuals exposed to more than 3 lux of light at night showed signs of cardiac remodeling. Specific findings included the thickening of left ventricular walls, which reduced internal chamber space, and a decreased ability for the heart muscle to relax and contract efficiently. Similar structural changes were observed in the right ventricles and left atrium. While researchers noted the study is observational and does not prove direct causation, they suggest that factors such as sleep duration may contribute but do not fully explain the observed effects. Experts recommend maintaining a dark sleeping environment, ideally below 1 lux, to mitigate potential cardiovascular risks. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-12: Medical studies link light exposure and eyelid deposits to heart risks Recent studies link excessive nighttime light exposure and the appearance of xanthelasma (eyelid deposits) to increased risks of heart attack and stroke. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/medical-studies-link-light-exposure-and-eyelid-deposits-to-heart-risks ### 2026-09-12: Tulane University study links nighttime light to heart damage A study involving 11,000 participants links nighttime light exposure to structural changes in the heart, including thicker ventricular walls and reduced pumping efficiency. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nighttime-light-exposure-linked-to-heart-structural-changes-1 --- Cite as: Nighttime light exposure and cardiovascular health. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nighttime-light-exposure-and-cardiovascular-health