Leaving The Light On When Trying To Go To Sleep
By Dr. Dan Hilton
In
General Dentistry
February 22, 2020
One may ask if it is okay to leave a light on at night when you are winding down trying to go to sleep? Numerous studies have been done that suggest stimulation and exposure to the room light between dusk and bedtime will actually suppress your melatonin levels. Melatonin is a hormone produced in the brain that regulates your sleep-wake cycle. It induces sleepiness, lowers your body temperature and blood pressure, and helps to regulate your glucose levels. It is often used as a supplement in the treatment for insomnia. Exposure to full room light prior to bedtime can shorten melatonin secretion by up to 50% and the duration of its action by up to 90 minutes when compared to dim light exposure. It is important to note that leaving your television on when you are trying to go to sleep can produce similiar negative effects on your melatonin secretion.