Shocking new evidence suggests that continual exposure to light pollution could have unexpected consequences for our health. Researchers at Frontiers mapped out nocturnal light exposure across the lower 48 US states to delve into its possible connection with Alzheimer’s disease.
Disturbingly, their study uncovered a ‘positive association’ between the frequency of Alzheimer’s and exposure to light pollution. This link was even more pronounced than the relationship between pollution and other health risks like alcohol abuse, depression, and obesity.
Dr Robin Voigt-Zuwala, an associate professor at Rush University Medical Center, explained: “We show that in the US there is a positive association between AD prevalence and exposure to light at night, particularly in those under the age of 65. Nightly light pollution – a modifiable environmental factor – may be an important risk factor for AD [Alzheimer’s].”
Despite their findings, scientists reportedly acknowleged that already-known factors like diabetes, high blood pressure and strokes correlated more strongly to Alzheimer’s than light at night among over-65s. Yet in younger populations, bright nights seem to be the leading Alzheimer’s indicator, eclipsing other studied factors.
Although it’s currently unclear why this may be, experts speculate that individual differences in light sensitivity may be the culprit. “Certain genotypes, which influence early-onset AD, impact the response to biological stressors which could account for increased vulnerability to the effects of nighttime light exposure,” Voigt-Zuwala explained.
“Additionally, younger people are more likely to live in urban areas and have lifestyles that may increase exposure to light at night.”
The experts now hope their findings will empower people to make ‘easy lifestyle changes’. This could involve using warm lighting inside your home and installing dimmers to reduce exposure.
Voigt-Zuwala added: “Easy-to-implement changes include using blackout curtains or sleeping with eye masks. This is useful especially for those living in areas with high light pollution.”