19 May Bright Light at Night Linked To Higher Blood Sugar Levels

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Dr. Kathryn Reid

Kathryn Reid PhD
Research associate
Professor of Neurology
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. 

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Dr. Reid: There is increasing evidence that light and dark exposure patterns over time impact health outcomes such as body weight and food intake.

This study found that bright light exposure increased insulin resistance compared to dim light exposure in both the morning and the evening.

In the evening, bright light also caused higher peak glucose (blood sugar) levels.

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Dr. Reid: Bright light exposure may influence metabolism and highlights that our lighting environment impacts our health.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Dr. Reid: We would like to better understand why light seems to be having this effect, and whether the effects will be maintained with repeated exposures.

MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.

Citation:

Ivy N. Cheung, Phyllis C. Zee, Dov Shalman, Roneil G. Malkani, Joseph Kang, Kathryn J. Reid. Morning and Evening Blue-Enriched Light Exposure Alters Metabolic Function in Normal Weight Adults. PLOS ONE, 2016; 11 (5): e0155601 DOI: 1371/journal.pone.0155601

Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.

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Last Updated on May 19, 2016 by Marie Benz MD FAAD