There are two kinds of people in the world, those who prefer to sleep with lights on in their rooms, and those who cannot fall asleep until it’s completely dark (I am one of those).
People have different reasons as to why they choose light or darkness when it comes to their sleeping options, some prefer lights on because they are just afraid of the dark. Health experts have confirmed that there are several benefits to sleeping in a dark room.
The National Institutes of Health states that even a small amount of light in your bedroom can disrupt your circadian rhythm, affect your body’s ability to produce melatonin, and reduce your risk of diabetes. “Sleeping in a dark environment has been linked to better metabolic health as it reduces next-morning insulin resistance.”
The publication further mentions that turning off electrical devices is essential for a healthy evening routine, as blue light from devices can disrupt sleep.
According to My Isense, sleeping in a dark room enhances mental focus and encourages alertness during the day by providing uninterrupted sleep for at least 6 hours, reducing the risk of mental health diseases like depression, anxiety, and stress.
Additionally, the above source states that “Darkness is important to eyes as it helps to protect them and also ensure that they rest properly,” and reduces the risks of myopia. It is also claimed that sleeping in the dark protects your skin from ageing by enhancing cellular regeneration, which slows down the ageing process. According to My Isense, research shows that sleeping in a dark room helps maintain a youthful appearance even as the body rests.
The Spindle Mattress publication add on to states that a dark room cues your body to sleep, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. “If you suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), sleeping in a dark room can help improve your mood. Light exposure can contribute to SAD, so by removing all light exposure at night, you can help lessen the symptoms.”
Also see: Tips to staying warm while sleeping
