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Stress, sleep disorders, but also serious illnesses… Excessive exposure to artificial light on a daily basis would have serious repercussions on our health, as shown by a recent study.
Do you know real moments without light? Hard to say. Today, whether we are in town or in front of our smartphone or computer screen, our body is constantly exposed to artificial light or blue light from our screens. A pollution that does not always seem aggressive to us, and yet: as evoked by a new study published in the magazine Science on June 15, this light pollution would be the cause of several evils that affect… our lives.
A disturbed rhythm and stress as a result
We know that artificial light disrupts our organism and our circadian rhythm which regulates our days and our brain. A jamming that is not trivial: this context has the effect of increasing the production of cortisol, the stress hormone, and reducing or even stopping the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone.
It is not uncommon to suffer from sleep disorders, even insomnia, and a total disruption of the internal clock affecting weight, mood, concentration and health. Smartphone screens send a signal to the brain that artificially prolongs the day. This is why it is not recommended to use screens in the evening at bedtime or after a certain hour.
Cancers, diabetes or obesity
Worse still, this decrease, or even the cessation of melatonin production, can also put you in danger: on a daily basis, the hormone also plays the role of regulator in several functions of the body, such as hunger, thirst. .. Ultimately, scientists believe that insufficient secretion can lead to the risk of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, with an increase in cholesterol levels.
Other studies suggest a link with disorders of the functioning of the thyroid, pancreas, ovaries, testicles and even the adrenal glands. Blue light is also associated with an increase in breast, prostate or colon cancer.
Light pollution, in the sights of public health?
For the scientists who have collected all the results of the studies carried out on the subject: “Future empirical studies on the physiological and health effects of nighttime outdoor lighting should incorporate these considerations.“. For the good health of all, it is therefore imperative to better fight against light pollution and this must, in their eyes, pass through effective research work, which could make react and direct public policies in this direction. .
Some countries, including France, have already launched some initiatives. Since October 2022, in France, billboards must be turned off between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m., regardless of the urban size. But is it really enough? Not for researchers: “Despite these encouraging steps, most countries lack the regulatory infrastructure to monitor nighttime light emissions.”