Women who sleep in artificial light at night are more likely to be overweight and obese. This is suggested by research conducted by the National Institutes of He alth (USA) and published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine.
Scientists analyzed the data of over 43.7 thousand. women aged 35-47 who participated in the Sister Study cohort study of risk factors for breast cancer and other diseases. The participants of the study did not suffer from cancer or cardiovascular diseases, were not pregnant, did not work shifts, and did not sleep during the day. The authors of the study asked them whether they sleep in the dark at night or whether they are accompanied by some light directly in or outside the bedroom, e.g. from street lamps or advertising neon signs. The researchers matched the participants' responses with their height, weight, waist and hip circumference, and body mass index (BMI) data at baseline and 5 years after the study.
The results of the study suggest that sleeping with the TV or artificial light on increases the risk of developing obesity in the female population. The source and level of artificial light are important. For example, sleeping by a small bedside lamp or by street light is not associated with weight gain. On the other hand, women who slept with strong light or an active TV set increased their body weight by 5 kilograms or more within 5 years.
For city dwellers, light at night (from street lamps, neon lights, other apartments, cars) is something common. However, it can suppress the secretion of the sleep hormone melatonin and disrupt the natural 24-hour circadian rhythm. Co-author of the study, Dr. Chandra Jackson explains that humans are genetically adapted to sunlight during the day and to darkness at night. Exposure to artificial light can alter hormone levels and affect biological processes that increase the risk of diseases such as obesity.
The researchers also wondered if the results were not influenced by sleep deprivation in the participants. It has long been said that sleep deprivation is associated with weight gain. The results of this study were certainly independent of age, race, social status and we alth of the wallet, having or not having children, as well as the amount of calories consumed and physical activity.participants. The researchers note, however, that the male population was not included in the study.
Based on: PAP, www.esculap.com
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Magdalena Gajda A specialist in obesity disease and obesity discrimination of people with diseases. President of the OD-WAGA Foundation of People with Obesity, Social Ombudsman for the Rights of People with Obesity in Poland and a representative of Poland in the European Coalition for People Living with Obesity. By profession - a journalist specializing in he alth issues, as well as a PR, social communication, storytelling and CSR specialist. Privately - obesity since childhood, after bariatric surgery in 2010. Starting weight - 136 kg, current weight - 78 kg.