By: Kristin Pulling
Researchers at Northwestern University recently studied the effects of bright light on metabolism. The study results showed that “bright light exposure increased insulin resistance compared to dim light exposure in both the morning and the evening”[1].
Insulin is the hormone that helps the body break down sugar and use it for energy. When someone has insulin resistance, their body is not effectively using the insulin it’s producing. Insulin resistance prevents the body’s cells from properly absorbing glucose, causing glucose to build up the blood. Prolonged insulin resistance can lead to increased risk of diabetes.[2]
The study results proved that lighting influences health and that bright lighting may contribute to increased blood sugar levels. At home, try to keep lighting dim, especially in evenings, to limit the potential negative health effects of bright lighting.
[1] http://www.northwestern.edu/newscenter/stories/2016/05/web/bright-light-alters-metabolism.html
[2] http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/Diabetes/insulin-resistance-prediabetes/Pages/index.aspx
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