Nightlights and near-sightedness are linked in a new study at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School in Philadelphia. Full darkness may be necessary for proper eye development, as reported in Nature (399, pp.113-114, 1999).
In this study, statistics supported 34% of children having nightlights on at night later developing near-sightedness.
For children who sleep in full room light, more than half may develop near-sightedness at some point.
A follow-up study was inconclusive in its findings, raising a question about the validity of the first study. Until more research is performed, take precautions and make the bedrooms dark.
There is no question that production of melatonin, the cancer-fighting control hormone of the brain, is maximized in darkness.
Individuals are advised to make bedrooms as dark as possible. Eliminate nightlights and alarm clocks with illuminated dials. Turn off the TV. Darken windows, especially if street lights are shining in.
Do not shut all bedroom windows, however, because ventilation is needed. Fresh air needs to be brought in and waste gases exhausted.
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