Why is falling asleep in front of the TV dangerous?

ALARMING DISCOVERY: SLEEPING WITH LIGHT ON THREATENS HEART HEALTH

Falling asleep with the light on or the TV running can seriously damage the health of the cardiovascular system. Scientists are raising the alarm, discovering increasingly convincing evidence of a link between nighttime lighting and an increased risk of developing dangerous heart diseases.

During night rest, the body should enter a state of complete relaxation, while the brain actively initiates recovery processes. However, light becomes a real enemy of these vital mechanisms: even slight illumination can suppress the production of melatonin — a key hormone that controls circadian rhythms, sleep quality, and blood pressure levels. Disruptions in this delicate system inevitably increase the load on the heart muscle.

Scientific research has also revealed that sleeping with light on provokes frequent micro-awakenings, significantly reduces deep sleep, and stimulates the release of cortisol — a dangerous stress hormone. This destructive chain leads to an increased risk of developing hypertension, triggers inflammatory processes, and causes serious metabolic disorders.

Seemingly harmless light sources — a night light, smartphone screen, or TV — can actually cause long-term and extremely negative health consequences. People of middle and older age are at particular risk, as well as those who already suffer from blood pressure problems or sleep disorders.

To minimize risks, medical professionals strongly recommend sleeping in complete darkness, equipping the bedroom with blackout curtains, completely turning off all electronic devices, and avoiding bright lighting at least an hour before bedtime. This simple but effective rule can significantly improve the quality of night rest and become a reliable protection for your cardiovascular system.