Another Breast Cancer Risk Factor? Artificial Light at Night? Pull the Shades!

Maybe so. Abraham Haim, an Israeli scientist, questions the use of energy-saving fluorescent bulbs, which suppress melatonin more than old-fashioned incandescent lights. “This may be a disaster in another 20 years, and you won’t be able to reverse what we did by mistake,” said Haim in the Post, speaking about the push for energy-efficient lighting.

So, what? We dine by candlelight and go to bed at 8 p.m.? No, of course not. But it might be sensible to ensure adequate levels of melatonin by giving yourself a regular break from light—ALL light. When you go to bed, hit that light switch and turn off the computer. Pull the shades in your bedroom. Don’t fall asleep in front of the TV. And if it’s impossible to find someplace dark to sleep, wear eyeshades. Remember, all those years ago, your mom yelling up the stairs for you to turn off the light and go to sleep? She was right.