New Study Reveals Harmful Effects of Dim Light Exposure During Sleep

By Dr. Mercola Inside the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of your brain, which is part of your hypothalamus, resides your master biological clock. Based on signals of light and darkness, your SCN tells your pineal gland when it's time to secrete melatonin, and when to turn it off. Your melatonin level inversely rises and falls with light and darkness, and both your physical and mental health is intricately tied to this rhythm of light and dark. When it's dark, your melatonin levels increase, which is why you may feel tired when the sun starts to set. Conversely, when you're exposed to bright artificial lighting at night, including blue light emitted from TV's and electronic screens, you may have trouble falling asleep due to suppressed melatonin levels. Many sleep problems can be resolved by making sure you avoid blue light exposure after sunset and sleep in total darkness. Interestingly, being exposed to very dim light during sleep — even if it does not noticeably seem to impair your
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