If you’re falling asleep to the nightly news or the latest episode of Chicago, it could be wreaking havoc on your health. A new analysis is showing a host of dangers associated with nighttime television watching from the comfort of your bed.
It’s not the programming or the set itself that causes any harm. The trouble comes from nighttime light exposure that can throw your circadian rhythm out of whack. You could be at risk for the same problems if you don’t have a TV in your room but use a tablet, computer, or smartphone before bed, or sleep in a place that allows a lot of bright lights to shine in once the sun’s descended.
Advertisement
A new study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, found that women who slept in a room with a television or light were more likely to gain at least 11 pounds over five years compared to those that slept in darkness. They were also 30-percent more likely to become obese, and there is little doubt that different results would be observed in men.
The body’s circadian rhythm—its sleep-wake cycle—is determined by natural light and dark cycles. When you’re not sleeping in a dark space and exposing yourself to light too late in the evening, it messes with your body clock. Your natural body clock controls hormones—like melatonin and cortisol—metabolism, blood pressure, and more. It has a massive impact on overall health and is a pillar of a healthy lifestyle along with diet and exercise.
When the sleep-wake cycle is disrupted, it can lead to weight gain, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, anxiety, mental fogginess, and depression.
Taking sleep seriously can have a significant impact on your overall health. Thankfully, getting the screen out of your bedroom (or shutting them off earlier if you live in a studio apartment) and purchasing black-out blinds can be highly effective and something virtually anybody can do. There is a lot at stake when it comes to sleep quality, so making sure you’re taking these simple steps to improve sleep can go a long way.
Also read:
- Essential oils for sleep: 13 ways to get the best sleep ever
- Effects of sleep deprivation
- The television shows we watch influence our eating habits
- The light from your phone is ruining your sleep
- The effect of gadgets on sleep
Devon Andre has been involved in the health and dietary supplement industry for a number of years. Devon has written extensively for Bel Marra Health. He has a Bachelor of Forensic Science from the University of Windsor, and went on to complete a Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh. Devon is keenly aware of trends and new developments in the area of health and wellness. He embraces an active lifestyle combining diet, exercise and healthy choices. By working to inform readers of the options available to them, he hopes to improve their health and quality of life.
