Can Better Curtains Protect Your Brain?

When you think about your parents, you might recall their nightly routines—the cup of tea before bed, the crossword puzzle, and pulling the curtains shut to block out the streetlights.

Maybe you’ve even found yourself picking up some of these habits.

Well, now research suggests there might be more to it than just comfort.

Turns out, artificial light at night could be doing more than just keeping us awake—it might be affecting our brains.

Recent research has found that light pollution—the artificial light coming from street lamps, billboards, or even the glow from a neighbor’s window—could be linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, especially in those under 65.

Researchers from Rush University Medical Center in Illinois studied light pollution across 48 U.S. states and compared it with medical records. Their findings suggest a significant connection between exposure to light at night and Alzheimer’s disease prevalence, particularly in younger individuals.

For people under 65, light pollution was identified as the number one Alzheimer’s risk factor. This is a sobering revelation when we think about how much time we spend exposed to artificial light, especially in urban areas.

While the study doesn’t prove that light pollution causes Alzheimer’s, it highlights an important relationship between sleep patterns, circadian rhythm, and brain health.

We know that sleep is essential for brain function—especially as we age—and any disruption to our circadian rhythm can throw our entire system off balance.

Your circadian rhythm is your body’s natural 24-hour cycle, helping regulate everything from hormone production to sleep cycles. When exposed to too much artificial light at night, the circadian rhythm can become disrupted, which may affect brain function over time. For younger adults, whose lifestyles often involve late nights and urban living, the risk of light pollution affecting brain health seems even higher.

We’ve known for some time that poor sleep is linked to conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s.

In fact, a lack of sleep may contribute to the buildup of toxic proteins in the brain, which increases the risk of cognitive decline. But now, researchers are looking more closely at how environmental factors like light exposure could be accelerating this process.

So, what can you do about it?

Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to reduce your exposure to light pollution and protect your brain health:

• Use blackout curtains: These curtains are designed to block out all light, helping you maintain a dark sleeping environment even if you live in a brightly lit area.
• Consider an eye mask: If blackout curtains aren’t an option, a comfortable sleep mask can help block out excess light.
• Limit screen time before bed: Devices like phones and tablets emit blue light, which can interfere with your circadian rhythm. Try turning off screens at least an hour before going to sleep.
• Install dimmers or low-wattage bulbs: Lower the light levels in your home during the evening to signal to your brain that it’s time to wind down.

Being mindful of how much light you’re exposed to at night could have a long-term impact on your brain health—and it’s such a small lifestyle change to make.

After all, who knew that something as simple as pulling the curtains shut could make such a difference?

To sleeping better and living longer,

Rachel Mace
Managing Editorial Director, e-Alert
with contributions from the research team

P.S. Your circadian rhythm impacts much more than just your brain. It’s part of the foundation of good health. In fact, it’s so important, Dr. Richard Gerhauser—part of the Health Science Institute’s network of experts—is creating a special protocol covering all you need to know about your circadian rhythm and achieving optimal health. Once it’s released, you’ll be among the first to know.

Source:

Nield, D., & Nield, D. (2024, September 10). Lead Alzheimer’s Risk For Under-65s Could Be Reduced With Good Curtains. ScienceAlert. https://www.sciencealert.com/lead-alzheimers-risk-for-under-65s-could-be-reduced-with-good-curtains