Bright Light Outside The Window At Night Affects The Sleep And Psyche Of Adolescents

Bright light outside the window at night affects the sleep and psyche of adolescents

It was found to be associated with the risk of bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety. Scientists believe that at night, people should avoid exposure to street lights whenever possible.

Photo: CC0 Public Domain

Artificial light outside the window at night disrupts teenagers' sleep. It has been linked to their risk of developing depression and anxiety, according to a new study published in JAMA Psychiatry.

Scientists have evaluated nighttime lighting in a number of typical urban and rural areas in the United States. To do this, they used data from satellites of the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The study authors interviewed more than 10,000 adolescents living in these areas. Scientists evaluated their sleep patterns and the degree of anxiety and depression on special scales.

It turned out that the more intense the lighting in the area, the more pronounced sleep disturbances and the higher the risk of depression and anxiety in adolescents. Scientists took into account other factors that could influence the nature of sleep and the mental state of the study participants - gender, education level, population density in the dwelling. After that, artificial light outside the window remained a significant independent risk factor.

On average, adolescents in the most illuminated areas went to bed 29 minutes late and slept 11 minutes less than their peers in low-light areas. In areas with the most artificial light, adolescents had a 19% higher risk of developing bipolar disorder and 7% higher risk of depression and anxiety.

Previously, only one study looked at mental health and the intensity of nighttime lighting outside the window. It was held in South Korea. According to its results, adults in more illuminated areas are more likely to report suicidal desires and attempts, as well as symptoms of depression.

Scientists believe that efforts should be made to minimize exposure to artificial light at night.