Artificial light at night

Apr 30, 2026Ugeskrift for laeger

Effects of Artificial Light at Night

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Circadian Biology on OpenScience ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗

Abstract

Exposure to artificial light at night (ALAN) is associated with increased risks of cancer, sleep issues, and metabolic disorders.

ALAN disrupts the body's natural circadian rhythms.
Eating during the resting phase can negatively affect circadian functioning.
Avoiding electronic screens in the bedroom may help reduce ALAN exposure.
Sleeping with lights on is linked to adverse health effects.
Dynamic lighting alternatives may decrease nighttime light pollution.

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Exposure to ALAN disrupts the circadian system in humans and has a negative impact on the body by increasing the risk of cancer, sleep problems and metabolic disorders. Food intake during the resting phase also has an inappropriate impact on the circadian system. The individual can prevent exposure to ALAN by avoiding the use of electronic screens in the bedroom, not sleeping with the light on and avoiding eating late in the evening or at night. In general, replacing traditional LED bulbs with dynamic alternatives (with reduced blue light) is an option to reduce light pollution at night, as argued in this review.

Artificial light at night

Abstract

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