Gestational diabetes, a potentially dangerous medical condition that affects pregnant women, has seen a worrying surge in recent years. It may have something to do with how you encounter light.
Excessive light at night has already been linked to heart health problems, and a growing body of research suggests that disruptions in our circadian rhythms (the natural sleep-wake cycles our bodies do each day) can disrupt other For example, a 2020 study found that irregular sleep duration could double the risk of developing heart disease. was shown.
In a new study, researchers at Northwestern University (NU) monitored light exposure before bedtime in 741 women who wore a monitor on their wrist for a week. Women were tested in the second trimester of pregnancy, when screening for gestational diabetes is commonly done.
Gestational diabetes is the first type of diabetes that a woman develops during pregnancy. Pregnancy isn’t necessarily a serious health risk, but it puts her at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes after pregnancy, a condition that could increase her risk of heart disease and dementia later in life. there is. Children born to mothers with this condition are also more likely to develop high blood pressure and obesity.
Only 31 women in the study developed gestational diabetes, but women who spent more time in bright and dim light in the three hours before bed were more likely to develop gestational diabetes. A tendency was seen.
“Women who spent the least amount of time in dim light were five times more likely to develop gestational diabetes than those who spent the most time in dim light,” said lead author Asst. In an interview with Professor Minjee Kim Guardian.
The researchers were unable to determine whether the bright light exposure was due to room lighting or electronic devices, but previous studies found that exposure to blue light before bed increased blood sugar levels in pregnant women. One theory is that exposure to bright light increases heart rate, which may affect glucose metabolism. Put another way, “There seems to be inappropriate activation of the fight-or-flight response when it’s time to rest,” Kim said.
Researchers say rates of gestational diabetes are rising rapidly. From 2011 to 2013, the incidence of the disease in the United States was about 4.5% for women who gave birth to babies. But in 2020, that percentage has risen to her 7.8% of all US births. If light exposure helps promote spikes, it’s an easy area for pregnant women to make adjustments to lower their risk.
“While there is much to prove, my personal concern is that light may be quietly contributing to this problem without most people realizing the potential harm.” now i’m a light policeman at home […] I see all this light that I never thought of before. I try to keep the light as dark as possible. Evening activities like dinner and bathing the kids don’t need bright lights. ”
Kim suggests that pregnant women dim the lights in their home at least three hours before bedtime and limit their exposure to light from devices such as computer and phone screens.
This research American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Maternal-Fetal Medicine.
Source: Northwestern University by EurekAlert
