68. Importance of Circadian Rhythms for Obesity & Cancer | Martin Moore-Ede MD, PhD
May 20, 2024
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World-leading circadian biologist Martin Moore-Ede discusses the health impacts of artificial light, circadian rhythms, obesity, and cancer. Topics include the role of light in health, evolution of circadian rhythms, effects of artificial light on diseases, solutions to light exposure issues, and more.
Exposure to blue-rich light at night disrupts metabolic processes, leading to increased risk of obesity and diabetes.
Maintaining circadian rhythm integrity is crucial for metabolic health, preventing diseases like diabetes and obesity.
Artificial light exposure at night, especially blue light, is linked to higher risks of breast and prostate cancer, emphasizing the need to manage light environments.
Deep dives
Impact of Blue Light on Appetite and Metabolism
Exposure to blue-rich light at night leads to increased appetite and snacking, while disrupting metabolic processes like glucose metabolism. Studies show that individuals exposed to blue light exhibit higher insulin resistance, decreased glucose tolerance, and increased risk of obesity and diabetes. This effect is evident in night shift workers and individuals who sleep with lights on, highlighting the detrimental impact of artificial blue light on overall health.
Circadian Rhythms and Metabolic Dysfunction
Circadian dysfunction, due to exposure to artificial light at night, is linked to metabolic diseases like diabetes and obesity. The disruption of circadian signaling can lead to increased insulin resistance, poor glucose tolerance, and heightened risk of metabolic disorders. Research demonstrates that maintaining circadian rhythm integrity is crucial for metabolic health and disease prevention.
The Role of Light in Cancer Development
Artificial light exposure at night, particularly blue-rich light, has been linked to increased risks of breast and prostate cancer. Studies indicate that the disruption of circadian rhythms by nighttime light exposure alters hormonal balance and promotes cancer development. Red light exposure, as seen at sunrise and sunset, has shown potential benefits in lowering blood glucose levels, highlighting the importance of managing light environments for overall health.
Impact of Light Exposure on Breast Cancer Diagnosis
The rise in breast cancer rates has been linked to light exposure, with evidence suggesting a significant correlation. The increase in breast cancer diagnoses is observed to coincide with the widespread adoption of artificial light sources, such as fluorescent and LED lights. Studies indicate that areas with limited electric light access show lower rates of breast cancer, emphasizing the role of light exposure in cancer development. Mechanisms involving melatonin suppression and circadian disruption further support the link between artificial light at night and increased cancer risk.
Effects of Circadian Lighting in Workplace Productivity and Health
Introducing circadian lighting in workplace environments has shown several positive impacts on health and productivity. Studies conducted in Fortune 500 companies revealed improvements in sleep duration and quality, reduced gastrointestinal symptoms, decreased use of pain medications, and enhanced performance. The circadian lighting, which switches from blue-rich light during the day to low-blue light at night, has notably benefited night shift workers by promoting better sleep patterns and overall well-being.
Dr. Martin Moore-Ede aka the Light Doctor, is a world leading circadian biologist and researcher, having led the team that located the suprachiasmatic nucleus, or circadian master clock, in humans.
In this interview we discuss role of light in health, why life evolved circadian rhythms, the health consequences of artificial light at night on diseases including cancer, obesity, diabetes, solutions to this light apocalypse and more.
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TIMESTAMPS 00:00:01 Circadian Biology and Health Impacts 00:09:54 Impact of Light on Circadian Rhythms 00:16:27 Blue Light's Effect on Circadian Rhythms 00:22:58 Circadian Rhythms and Light Synchronization 00:30:33 The Importance of Circadian Rhythms 00:46:45 Impact of Artificial Light on Cancer 00:54:56 Impact of Light on Health 01:01:44 Impact of Blue Light on Health 01:11:57 Improving Health and Performance With Light 01:18:00 The Light Doctor Book Release
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