Sitting at the Computer Late at Night? This Could Harm Your Future Babies

For some time now, medicine has known that nighttime exposure to artificial light is harmful to health. Night shift workers consistently show higher rates of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, and their immune systems are known to be weaker. However, a new study from Ohio University has revealed even more troubling information: exposure to artificial light at night can also harm future offspring.

The study examined hamster pups born to parents exposed to artificial light at night and found that these pups had weaker immune systems and lower endocrine activity.

"We are seeing for the first time that artificial light may harm not only the creatures exposed to it but also their offspring," says Professor Randy Nelson, a leading author of the study and chair of the Department of Neuroscience at Ohio University.

It is important to emphasize that during pregnancy, the parental hamsters lived in natural light conditions, but exposure to artificial light at night before pregnancy was enough to produce hamsters whose health was compromised. Notably, the negative effects were evident whether it was the father or the mother exposed to artificial light.

"I think people are beginning to understand that light pollution is a serious pollution with significant health implications—an increase in cancer rates, depression, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and anxiety disorders," says Nelson.

Although it is recommended to minimize any exposure to artificial light after sunset, researchers are particularly concerned about the blue light emitted by electronic devices like computers and mobile phones. In addition to minimizing their use after nightfall, it is recommended to install software and apps (such as f.lux) that adjust screen lighting in the evenings to red/yellow instead of blue.