Human Health

Artificial light at night contributes to many health problems, including certain cancers, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, mood disorders, and insomnia. Melatonin, commonly known as the hormone that helps you sleep, requires the absence of light for secretion. Artificial lights in the blue light spectrum signal sleep-wake cycles and suppress melatonin production.

Studies show that the amount of time in bed is less important than the level and duration of darkness we experience before sleep. Our modern lifestyles give us dark days and bright nights. Instead of 10,000 to 100,000 lux of light during the day, our offices and classrooms give us 300-350 lux of light. When it gets dark, instead of less than 1 lux from a Full Moon, we get up to 200 lux in our brightly lit rooms and up to 37 lux in a dark room with electronic devices turned on.

CLICK HERE to learn more about light pollution and human health.