How does junk light impact your health?Updated 2 months ago

Junk light impacts the photoreceptor cells in your eyes, disrupting communication between your eyes and your brain. This is especially harmful at night, as exposure can suppress melatonin, the hormone that helps you fall and stay asleep.

Beyond sleep, junk light produces a unique glare that can affect the retina, often leading to eye strain, headaches, and both mental and physical fatigue.

Research suggests that chronic exposure may be linked to a variety of health concerns, including:

• Sleep disturbances due to suppressed melatonin

• Eye strain, headaches, and brain fog

• Short term memory issues and cognitive fatigue

• Increased stress and anxiety, sometimes contributing to Seasonal Affective Disorder or depression

• Hormonal imbalances, immune system disruption, and weight gain

Because junk light is closely tied to sleep deprivation, it may also contribute indirectly to more serious long term health risks, such as heart disease, diabetes, mood disorders, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.

For example, insufficient sleep has been linked to the buildup of beta amyloid, a toxic protein in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s. Healthy sleep naturally clears this protein, but when sleep is disrupted, often due to junk light exposure, the brain’s cleansing process is impaired, increasing the risk of neurodegenerative conditions. (Source: Business Insider)

Being mindful of your light exposure, particularly in the evening, is key to protecting your sleep, health, and overall wellbeing.