A new study published in JAMA indicates that high amounts of artificial light at night can increase a person’s risk of heart disease — and breast cancer — by up to 50%.

The research, led by Uppsala University’s Dr. Jonathan Cedernaes, tracked 89,000 participants for one week between 2013 and 2016. Researchers then followed up with participants roughly eight years later. Higher levels of artificial light at night were linked to elevated risks of coronary heart disease, stroke, atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction and heart failure.

The study found that the increased risks persisted even after accounting for factors such as sleep duration, sleep efficiency, physical activity and seasonal photoperiod.

While scientists have long noted that light from devices such as cellphones and te

See Full Page