Open AccessLight exposure during sleep impairs cardiometabolic function
Author(s) -
Ivy C. Mason,
Daniela Grimaldi,
Kathryn J. Reid,
Chloe Warlick,
Roneil G. Malkani,
Sabra M. Abbott,
Phyllis C. Zee
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.011
H-Index - 771
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.2113290119
Subject(s) - morning , sleep (system call) , medicine , balance (ability) , endocrinology , insulin sensitivity , insulin resistance , heart rate variability , heart rate , obesity , blood pressure , physical medicine and rehabilitation , computer science , operating system
Significance Ambient nighttime light exposure is implicated as a risk factor for adverse health outcomes, including cardiometabolic disease. However, the effects of nighttime light exposure during sleep on cardiometabolic outcomes and the related mechanisms are unclear. This laboratory study shows that, in healthy adults, one night of moderate (100 lx) light exposure during sleep increases nighttime heart rate, decreases heart rate variability (higher sympathovagal balance), and increases next-morning insulin resistance when compared to sleep in a dimly lit (<3 lx) environment. Moreover, a positive relationship between higher sympathovagal balance and insulin levels suggests that sympathetic activation may play a role in the observed light-induced changes in insulin sensitivity.