Researchers from a major medical university in China examined how constant exposure to bright artificial light at night affects stroke risk. The study results appeared in a peer reviewed medical journal.
The investigation involved 28,302 adults. Researchers gathered data on participants health status and evaluated nighttime outdoor lighting in the areas where they lived. After collecting this information, the study entered a six year follow up period.
The study defined artificial light sources as incandescent, fluorescent, and LED lighting.
Over the course of the observation period, 1,278 participants developed cerebrovascular diseases caused by blood flow problems in the brain. Among these cases, 777 were ischemic strokes caused by clotting, and 133 were hemorrhagic strokes caused by bleeding in the brain.
Data analysis showed that individuals exposed to the highest levels of artificial light at night faced a 43 percent greater risk of developing cerebrovascular diseases, including stroke, compared with those living in areas with lower light levels.
In addition, air pollution from particles produced by burning fuel and wood was linked to a higher likelihood of serious vascular problems.
Earlier research has noted that having a stroke can increase the risk of long term depression.