Life Kit How to optimize your circadian rhythm
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Dec 17, 2024 
Will Stone, NPR health correspondent, dives into the captivating science of circadian rhythms and how light impacts our health. He discusses groundbreaking UK research revealing that excessive evening light could increase the risk of premature death. Stone shares practical tips to adjust light exposure, emphasizing the importance of natural daylight and minimizing nighttime brightness for better sleep and mental well-being. Discover how tweaking your environment can significantly enhance your body's internal clock and overall health!
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Marielle's Light Pollution Struggle
- Marielle struggles to make her bedroom completely dark due to streetlights and light creeping in from other rooms.
- Despite using blackout shades and curtains, light still enters, highlighting the pervasiveness of light pollution in modern life.
Light Exposure and Mortality
- A UK Biobank study of 90,000 people tracked light exposure and mortality over eight years.
- Brighter evenings correlated with a 21-34% higher premature mortality risk, while brighter days correlated with a 17-34% lower risk.
Maximize Daylight Exposure
- Prioritize getting outdoors for at least 45 minutes daily for optimal light exposure.
- Outdoor light is far brighter than indoor light, even on cloudy days, and morning exposure enhances alertness.