Ruth Orji
Claim: Sleeping with artificial light can weaken your immune system.
A few years ago, @KPIX|CBS NewsBayArea posted the results of a research stating that even the most minimal artificial light present in your room at night while you sleep has been linked to several health problems and reduction of one’s immune system.
This post has since gathered 31,819 views; 376 likes; 84 comments; 54 shares.
NatureNews, Africa’s foremost newspaper on climate change, which is dedicated to providing accurate insights to stop the spread of fake news particularly among users of social media, subjected the claim to fact checking.
Findings: Using the Google search tool in conducting this research, NatureFact, the fact checking unit of NatureNews, accessed a few papers and studies.
A thorough fact-checking investigation has revealed that this claim is indeed factual.
@DoctorJanine stated that night lights such as LED lights in children’s rooms because it affects their melatonin levels, feeding cycles as well as their weigh.
@LiveLeanTV states that your brain can still discover little lights whilst you’re even asleep.
@Fox2St.Louis had a video comparison between people who sleep with night lights and those who don’t.
@StrengthIndia highlights the negative impacts of sleeping with the lights on.
@DarkSkyTexas agrees to this
@motivationalDoc expounded that light exposure during sleep increases the risk of heart and metabolic diseases.
Yes, exposure to artificial light at night can negatively impact the immune system. Here’s how:
**Disrupts Melatonin Production** – Melatonin is a hormone that regulates sleep and has antioxidant and immune-boosting properties. Artificial light, especially blue light from screens and LED bulbs, suppresses melatonin production, reducing its protective effects.
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**Alters Sleep Quality** – Poor sleep weakens the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to infections and inflammation. Inadequate sleep reduces the production of immune cells and antibodies needed to fight off illnesses.
**Increases Inflammation** – Studies suggest that nighttime light exposure can trigger chronic inflammation, which is linked to various health issues, including a weakened immune response.
**Affects Circadian Rhythms** – The body’s natural sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm) regulates immune function. Artificial light at night can disrupt this rhythm, leading to immune system dysfunction.
To reduce these risks, avoid bright screens before bed, use warm/dim lighting in the evening, and consider blackout curtains or sleep masks to minimize light exposure.
Verdict: True. Artificial light in the room while we sleep can negatively impact our health.
