Since melatonin is made in the dark, it is important to sleep in total darkness. Even low levels of light and short duration of light exposure impair its production. That means that sleeping with any lights on, the TV on, lights shining through bedroom windows, or even turning on the light at night when going to the bathroom will inhibit melatonin production. So…for better health, sleep in TOTAL darkness.
Sleeping in total darkness can reduce cancer risk, thanks to melatonin. Melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep and is produced in a daily cycle, is only made by the pineal gland in the brain in the dark. Research has shown that melatonin is a strong antioxidant, can enhance immune function, can inhibit the growth of and actually kill cancer cells.
Since melatonin is made in the dark, it is important to sleep in total darkness. Even low levels of light and short duration of light exposure impair its production. That means that sleeping with any lights on, the TV on, lights shining through bedroom windows, or even turning on the light at night when going to the bathroom will inhibit melatonin production. So…for better health, sleep in TOTAL darkness.
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AuthorDr. Carrie Brennan is a naturopathic physician who lives and practices on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. She can be reached at (808) 652-7581. Archives
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