Another reason not to read in bed
Exposure to too much light at night may cause depression, suggests a new study:
Ohio State University researchers found that mice kept in a lighted room 24 hours a day had more depressive symptoms than mice that had a normal day-night cycle. The study also found that mice that lived in a constantly lit room, but could take refuge in a dark tube when they desired, had fewer depressive symptoms than mice that couldn’t get away from the 24-hour light.
“The ability to escape light seemed to quell the depressive effects,” lead author Laura Fonken, a graduate student in psychology, said in a news release from Ohio State University.
The findings indicate the need to learn more about how artificial light affects humans, said study co-author Randy Nelson, a professor of neuroscience and psychology.
Some lights, I contend, seem more “artificial” than others: my bedroom illumination, in the absence of actual sun, is that horrid compact-fluorescent stuff. I think it makes me look unhealthy, and looking like death half-warmed over does nothing for my sense of well-being.
And how dark does this “dark tube” have to be? Are we talking just below twilight, or just this side of a singularity?
(Via BPD in OKC.)
fillyjonk »
28 October 2009 · 2:52 pm
I was gonna say, “Prevent me from reading before bed and I will become more depressed over time than light could ever cause,” but I see the original study is about forcing mice to be in light 24 hours a day. Yeah, that would depress me.
Kay Dennison »
28 October 2009 · 10:07 pm
I can’t get to sleep unless I read first and yeah I fall asleep with the light on a lot. Am I depressed? Maybe — but I have better reasons for that the light on all night.
CGHill »
28 October 2009 · 10:10 pm
I usually keep a very dull book at bedside, and hope it becomes excessively boring at the exact point when the Ambien and/or Flexeril kicks in.
fillyjonk »
29 October 2009 · 7:15 am
I don’t know whether to be relieved or sad that these days I’m sufficiently exhausted at bedtime that I can manage maybe three or four pages of what I’m currently reading before I have to put it aside.