Danger Response and Artificial Lighting
TLDR - Artificial lighting can confuse our brain signals, resulting in stress hormone release, danger response, and impaired healing.
Importance of Circadian Rhythm Reminder
Danger Response
When our bodies are exposed to artificial light at inappropriate times, it can trigger a danger response. This response is a result of our brain receiving conflicting signals about the time of day, leading to a state of confusion and stress. Here’s how it happens:
Confused Brain Signals: The retina in our eyes detects light and sends signals to the brain's suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the master clock that regulates our circadian rhythm. When exposed to artificial light at night, the SCN receives mixed signals, causing it to misinterpret the time of day.
Stress Hormone Release: This misinterpretation can lead to the release of stress hormones like cortisol at inappropriate times. Elevated cortisol levels at night can interfere with sleep and contribute to a state of chronic stress.
Impaired Regenerative Processes: The suppression of melatonin and the disruption of our circadian rhythm can impair the body's ability to perform essential regenerative processes.
Sleep Quality: Reduced melatonin levels can lead to poor sleep quality. Inadequate sleep can impair cognitive function, increase stress levels, and elevate the risk of psychological issues such as anxiety and depression.
Metabolism: The misalignment of the circadian rhythm can have metabolic consequences, contributing to weight gain and obesity by altering appetite regulating hormones and glucose metabolism.
Cardiovascular Health: Disrupted sleep patterns can lead to hypertension and other heart related issues.
Cancer: Prolonged exposure to artificial light at night has been linked to an increased risk of hormone driven cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer, due to the chronic suppression of melatonin and its protective effects against cancer cell proliferation.