Can light affect sleep, digestion and mental health?

Exposure to light helps in setting the circadian rhythm of the body, which further helps in regulating the bodily functions.

Exposure to light is essential for the body to carry on the bodily functions. From knowing when to wake up, to when to eat, the light informs the body of the processes, exposure to light also helps in regulating blood pressure, body temperature and the chemical reactions in the body.

Resetting the circadian rhythm:

Light helps in setting the internal clock of the body, also known as the circadian rhythm. (Pexels)

According to an article published in The Conversation, light helps in setting the internal clock of the body, also known as the circadian rhythm. It is a network of genes and proteins that help in regulating each other. This loop has a rhythm of 24 hours that helps in maintaining the bodily functions properly.

The central clock of the body is present in the hypothalamus region of the brain, and each cell of the body consists of its individual internal clock. These clocks work together to adapt to the daily cycle of light and dark.

However, the internal clock is not precise, and every morning, it needs to be restarted. Hence, the exposure to light helps in resetting the clock for the whole day.

Effect of light on sleep:

Exposure to light while sleeping can have harmful effects on health.

When the body is exposed to light at night, especially when we should be sleeping, can have negative implications on our health. It can disrupt the heart rate, affect sugar metabolism and even lead to psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. In worst cases, it can increase the risk of premature death.

Light's effect on gut:

Digestion follows a circadian rhythm. Muscles in the colon that help in movement of the waste are more active during the day. The gut’s circadian rhythm is influenced by its own clock and the body’s internal clock. It also depends on our meal timings.