How often do you fall asleep with the lights on? I’m sure we’ve all done it at some point. Sometimes it just happens— especially if you’ve ever taken an accidental catnap on the couch when you meant to only rest for a moment. But if you regularly sleep with the lights on, you may want to reconsider that.
New research has come out about the potential negative effects that sleeping with lights on can have on your body. And while electricity has definitely made our lives easier and more convenient, this unfortunately isn’t good news for your health.
1. Sleeping with the lights on affects your ability to fall and stay asleep
If you find it difficult to sleep and wake up at intervals, it’s probably because you are not sleeping well.
Here is a doctor explaining how lights on at night make sleep better, “Light actually turns off some of the parts in the brain that tell our body it’s daytime versus nighttime. So those signals are messed up in a way, because the circadian signal is weakened, and over time, that has implications for our health.”
2. Sleeping with lights on can cause depression
Blue lights from electronics like Television, phones, laptops and tabs affect sleep and affect mood negatively by causing depression, irritability and moodiness.
That’s why it is advisable to keep your room technology free.
3. Sleeping with the lights on can lead to obesity
Studies have shown that if you sleep less at night, you are more likely to eat more during the day.
Not to mention that if you stay awake at night, you are more likely to eat a lot of snacks. You might even wake up to make your favorite boerewors.
4. Chronic illnesses
Sleeping late or having little sleep increases your chances of having high blood pressure, diabetes and hypertension. This is why you might turn off all devices and lights to have a sound sleep.
