A recent scientific experiment following the daily routines of six individuals has revealed that regulating light exposure throughout the day – increasing light in the morning and decreasing it in the evening – may aid maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. The study, conducted using optical sensors to monitor participants around the clock, highlights the critical role of balancing natural light during the day with darkness at night in regulating essential bodily functions.
Researchers found that every cell possesses an internal clock operating on a roughly 24-hour cycle and functions optimally when aligned with a regular day-night rhythm. This discovery underscores the importance of circadian rhythms for overall health and wellness.
“This clock controls multiple processes, including digestion, learning, cell repair, and sleep preparation,” explained researcher Anne Skildon, “while relying on daily light signals to synchronize with the environment.”
The study also pinpointed blue light emitted from electronic screens as particularly disruptive to this system. Cells in the retina, sensitive to light, transmit signals to the brain’s primary control center. Stuart Pearson, a researcher involved in the study, noted that exposure to bright light in the morning aids in adjusting the biological clock, while strong light exposure in the evening acts as a stimulant, similar to caffeine, delaying sleepiness and reducing the secretion of melatonin, a hormone associated with sleep.
Recent studies have linked disruptions in light exposure to an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and psychological and neurological disorders. Research from the University of Exeter and the Barcelona Institute for Global Health further suggests that exposure to light during sleep – even from external sources like streetlights – may be associated with a higher risk of depression and some types of cancer.
