The Simple Switch to Increased Heath and Longevity

A New Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease

When we think about what causes diseases as we get older, we usually talk about things like what we eat, how much we exercise, and stress. But we should also think about our environment, too.

One surprising thing that can affect our health is light pollution.

Light pollution has been linked to problems like heart disease, diabetes, depression, and cancer. Now, a new study shows it might also be connected to Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers in the U.S. found that people exposed to more light at night, especially before age 65, had a higher chance of getting Alzheimer’s. Even when other known risks weren’t there, more light made the chances of getting the disease higher.

Scientists think this happens because light at night can mess up our sleep. It changes our body’s clock, which can lead to inflammation. Inflammation can cause diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Even the scriptures talk about sleep as a kind of reward:

• Psalm 127:2 – "In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves."

• Psalm 4:8 – "In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety."

  
  These verses show how trusting in God brings peace and rest, reminding us that sleep is a gift from God, and resting in Him gives us true security.

If sleep is a kind of reward, that shows it’s importance to the human body.

If you live in a place with lots of lights at night…

• - Use blackout curtains to block external light

• - Install dimmer switches to control indoor lighting

• - Opt for warm, low-intensity bulbs in the evening

• - Avoid screens (phones, tablets, computers) at least an hour before bed

• - Use blue light filters on electronic devices if screen time is necessary

• - Invest in a good sleep mask to cover your eyes

• - Place nightlights in hallways and bathrooms instead of using bright overhead lights

• - Consider using smart lighting systems that adjust brightness based on the time of day

• - Keep your bedroom door closed to minimize light from other rooms

• - Use red or amber night lights, which are less disruptive to sleep than blue or white lights