Light Exposure Effects Sleep Pattern

A new study focuses on light exposure and its impact on sleep pattern. Strong light helps regulate the functioning of brain cells in the locus coeruleus, the part of the brain which regulates arousal, and also regulates the sleep/wake cycle.

Perpetual light deprivation prevents the locus coeruleus from functioning properly, leading to changes in the sleep-wake cycle.

Getting enough good quality sleep is so important for your overall well being, and for your skin’s health and repair. This study is particularly important for those who work on shifts, as shift work is likely to throw off your body’s normal sleep-wake regulation.

It’s common for those on shift-work to have trouble sleeping or to be very tired; this is noticeably worse during the early morning and night shifts. Shift workers tend to sleep one to four hours less than average. Subjectively, they feel their quality of sleep is very poor; they do not feel well rested when they wake up.

One of the ways to cope with working overnight shifts is to increase the lighting of your office or work space. Very high light exposure will help your body feel that its “daytime” which will help you sleep better during your “night”.

Using room darkening blinds or curtains in your bedroom will also be helpful to keep out the daylight so you can sleep well.

Shift-work induced sleep problems impact men and women of all age groups. It’s estimated that at least 2-5% of the general population is affected, and this number is higher if you include those who work early-morning shifts.

Getting good sleep is an important foundation for healthy skin. Take all the steps necessary to make sure your sleep is, indeed, beauty sleep.