Element in Focus: Sleep and Repair


Melatonin and Artificial Light

Did you know that being exposed to unnatural light at night may be a cancer risk? Our sleep hormone, melatonin is suppressed by exposure at night to artificial light, especially the blue light of screen devices. Research has found that a reduction of melatonin at night can lead to suppression of the immune system and its role in detecting and fighting abnormal cells.

How do I make a change?

Turn your screen devices off an hour or two before bedtime. Keep your bedroom dark: Turn off any night lights or TVs in your bedroom, and keep smartphones and other screen devices out of your bedroom.

Some research for further exploration of this topic:

Costa et al., 2010

Wahl et al., 2019



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