Light pollution is a growing problem. Over the past 25 years, artificial lighting has increased 49 percent worldwide. For perspective, the brightness of the night sky has increased by about 10% annually over the past 12 years. around 80% of the world's population Now affected by light pollution.
This is bad news, because light pollution is related to a variety. Health problemsequivalent to sleep disorders, fatigue, anxiety and deprivation.
Light pollution at night A recent study found that it may additionally significantly increase the danger of Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's disease is understood to many. Risk factors related to a greater risk of developing the disease. These include health conditions equivalent to heart disease, hypertension and diabetes, in addition to lifestyle habits equivalent to smoking and drinking alcohol. This latest study now provides convincing evidence that light pollution is one other risk factor for Alzheimer's disease.
To conduct their study, the researchers used Medicare records between 2012 and 2018, in addition to data collected from satellites. Light pollution maps to NASA to check whether there was a connection between exposure to light outdoors at night and the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease within the United States. The data included men and girls in addition to people of various ethnic backgrounds.
For people 65 and older, living in an area with high levels of sunshine pollution at night is linked to Alzheimer's disease, chronic kidney failure, depression, heart disease, alcoholism and obesity, the study found. is a stronger threat than a Strong association with Alzheimer's disease. However, diabetes, hypertension and stroke were still more strongly related to Alzheimer's disease than light pollution in people over 65 years of age.
Alexander Meusek/Shutterstock
Interestingly, amongst people under the age of 65, the study found that higher exposure to nighttime light pollution was related to a better prevalence of Alzheimer's than all risk aspects analyzed. This effect was shown in each sexes and across all ethnicities – except Pacific Islanders.
This may suggest that young people could also be particularly sensitive to the consequences of nighttime light exposure in comparison with older people.
Sleep and mental health
As with most studies, it is crucial to acknowledge that this research isn't without limitations. This study didn't adjust for some variables that will have affected the outcomes.
For example, artificial indoor light – equivalent to light emitted by phones, TVs and other electronic screens – was not measured. Such aspects are also linked Sleep disorder and should affect the outcomes.
Another factor that was not adjusted for and should affect the outcomes is the effect of air pollution. Light pollution is closely related to air pollution – with brightly lit areas often being busy urban centres. These urban environments have a high concentration of vehicles, industrial activities and waste disposal. All this results in increased levels of harmfulness Particles – An element related to Cognitive decline and dementia.
Study data were also specific to the US population. Health and socioeconomics Status differences, that are necessary risk aspects for Alzheimer's disease and should have an impact, weren't analyzed.
Still, this isn't the primary study to indicate a link between nighttime light pollution and mental health.
Previous research has also shown a link between nighttime light pollution and dementia. Study from China And Italy It found that folks living in areas with high levels of sunshine pollution had a better risk of mild cognitive impairment and late-onset dementia. This latest study adds to the body of evidence, specifically showing a link between light pollution and Alzheimer's disease.
Research shows that there's a link between light pollution and Parkinson's disease Along with that
The exact reason why nighttime light pollution is linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease isn't known. But it could be related to the best way light pollution can disrupt sleep.
Sleep plays a task. The main character in the event of dementia. Research shows that poor sleep might be detrimental. glymphatic system – A network of vessels within the brain that clears waste and helps wash away toxic proteins which can be thought to accumulate and cause Alzheimer's. It is theorized that without enough sleep, these proteins can't be washed away Continue to build.
Exposure to light at night may disrupt an individual's function. Circadian rhythm. It is the brain's internal clock that manages our sleep-wake cycle by responding to changes in the sunshine around us. Disrupting this cycle can trigger inflammation and increase an individual's susceptibility to diseases. This can promote increased inflammation Beta amyloida Toxic protein which is often present in the brains of Alzheimer's patients.
Genetic aspects may additionally be at play. For example, The APOE gene Associated with a better risk of developing early-onset Alzheimer's. This gene can affect how the body deals with stress.
This suggests that folks under the age of 65 could also be less equipped to cope with stressors equivalent to light pollution, possibly because younger individuals are more more likely to carry the APOE gene. Older people. This could potentially make them more vulnerable to its harmful effects.
The research adds to a growing body of evidence showing a link between light pollution and Alzheimer's disease. And nearly all of the world's population is exposed to light pollution, which generally is a significant risk factor in the case of Alzheimer's disease.
While it's concerning that light pollution can have this effect on our health, it's a modifiable environmental factor — meaning it's something we are able to do to scale back our risk of Alzheimer's disease. . Even some easy adjustments at night may also help combat light pollution – including wearing eye masks, using blackout curtains and dimming lights.