Study suggests bright lights at night raises heart attack and stroke risk

By Stephen Beech

Bright lights at night raise the risk of a heart attack or stroke , suggests a new study.

Researchers found that exposure to higher levels of artificial light pollution after dark are linked to increased stress-related activity in the brain, inflamed arteries and a higher risk of heart disease.

Nighttime light pollution is a nearly universal feature of modern cities.

The first-of-its-kind study reviewed brain scans and satellite images to show a "biological pathway" linking nighttime light exposure to heart disease .

Study senior author Dr. Shady Abohashem said: “We know that environmental factors, such as air and noise pollution, can lead to heart disease by affecting our nerves and blood vessels through stress.

"Light pollution is very common; however, we don