According To Research, Sleeping With Light Makes The Heart Healthier

YOGYAKARTA Many people feel more comfortable sleeping with dim lights, either for security or habit reasons since childhood. However, recent research shows that sleeping in a completely dark room is actually much better for heart health. Exposure to night lights, even those that are very minimal, can actually interfere with the recovery process of the body while you sleep. As a result, small lights that you think are no problem can have a bigger impact than expected.

The study, quoted by Healthline, Monday, November 24, shows that artificial light exposure at night is related to the increasing risk of cardiovascular disease. In a large study involving nearly 89,000 participants, those sleeping in brighter conditions show a higher risk of heart disease such astenuic arteries and stroke. Even faint light that is considered non-perturbative also affects the body's biological system. This finding confirms that dark quality during sleep is as important as the duration of sleep itself.

Researchers use brain scans to see how night light affects the body. They find that light during sleep can activate a brain area that triggers a stress response. This activation then drives the immune system to produce inflammation in blood vessels. If it continues, this chronic inflammatory has the potential to cause narrowing of blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease in the long term. In other words, the body works more severely when it should be resting.

The darkness gives a strong signal to the brain that it is time to enter the recovery phase of the body. In dark conditions, the body produces melatonin more optimally, which is a hormone that helps lower blood pressure, stabilizes the rhythm of the heart, and synchronizes the rhythm of sleep. When light, although dim, hits the eye, melatonin production is immediately disrupted. This makes it difficult for the body to reach deep sleep that should repair cells and tissues.

Nightlight can also disrupt circdian rhythms, biological cycles that regulate when the body is active and when to rest. Disturbed rhythms can have an impact on metabolism, blood pressure, and blood vessel health. That's why sleeping in a total dark room helps the body recover optimally and keeps the heart working with healthy rhythms.

Realizing a darker bedroom is not difficult. You can start by using a dark curtain to hold the light from outside the house. If the light leaks from below the door or window, just close it with an additional cloth or layer. Avoiding the phone screen before bed is also very helpful, because the blue light from the screen is stronger in inhibiting melatonin production. If you still need lighting, choose a very dim, warm light, and only turn it on when it's really necessary. Sleep masks can also be a practical solution if the surrounding environment is difficult to control.

In conclusion, darker room sleep brings real benefits to heart health. Research shows that night light, including the very dimmer, can increase brain stress and trigger inflammation in blood vessels, which ultimately increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. By minimizing light during sleep, you give the body the best chance to recover optimally and keep your heart healthy.