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A new study states that women who sleep with a television or other artificial light in the room are more likely to gain weight or suffer from obesity.
The analysis, released Monday by the National Institute of Health, used a questionnaire of 43,722 women aged 35 to 74 years. Women were asked about their sleep patterns and whether they slept in total darkness or in the presence of television or night light.
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Measurements of body weight and body mass index were collected at the beginning of the study and compared to new data collected at a follow-up visit five years later.
The study found that women were 17% more likely to have taken 11 pounds or more in five years if they slept with a television or other light source than those who slept in a dark room or with a small night light. Sleeping with a light on the outside of the room resulted in a slight weight gain, according to the study.
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"Humans are genetically adapted to a natural environment consisting of sunlight during the day and night at night," said Chandra Jackson, Ph.D., and co-author of the study. "The nocturnal exposure to artificial light can alter hormones and other biological processes, increasing the risk of diseases such as obesity."
The researchers also said that while lack of sleep was associated with weight gain and obesity, it did not explain the connection between sleeping with artificial light and weight.
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The study, which did not include men, admits that other factors could explain weight gain, such as age, race, socio-economic status, age and sex. 39 physical activity and calories consumed.
The researchers however said that they hoped that this study would give women who sleep at night with artificial light a way to improve their health.
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