Nighttime Needs To Be Nighttime

Artificial nighttime light may be a significant contributor to obesity, according to new research. In the study, researchers found that nighttime light along with lack of exercise and poor diet accounted for approximately 73 percent of the variation in rates of obesity and excess weight among women and 68 percent among men. Another very recent study found those using tablets for 30 minutes prior to attempting sleep were not only less tired, but their electrical brain activity was also modified. Researchers believe artificial light later in the evening contributes to both unhealthy weight gain and lack of tiredness by suppressing melatonin – a hormone essential in regulating sleep cycles as it anticipates the daily onset of darkness. Using artificial light later in the day when your body begins preparing for sleep confuses the body and as shown by new research, is associated with negative consequences including both unhealthy weight gain and difficulty in getting to sleep. If you’re experiencing unwelcomed weight gain and difficulty in getting and staying asleep, try cutting out all computer work and exposure to bright lights at least 1-2 hours prior to bedtime.