Evening Screen Exposure Could Be Damaging Your Heart, New Study Finds

A new study from Australia’s Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute is sounding the alarm about the overlooked risks of late-night exposure to screens and artificial lighting. According to researchers, spending excessive time in bright environments during nighttime hours—especially in front of mobile phones, laptops, or TVs—can lead to serious heart-related conditions.

The research points to a direct connection between prolonged exposure to artificial light after sundown and an elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, and strokes. Even when lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and sleep quality were considered, nighttime light remained an independent risk factor.

At the core of this issue is the disruption of the circadian rhythm—the body’s internal clock that governs hormone release, blood pressure, and heart rate. According to the lead scientists, artificial light during natural sleep hours interferes with this rhythm, setting off a chain of physiological imbalances.

“The human body is biologically aligned with the cycle of day and night,” said one of the researchers. “Flooding the senses with light during times intended for rest throws off this balance.”

Interestingly, the study highlights gender and age-based disparities. Women appear more susceptible to heart failure linked with artificial light, while younger individuals face a greater risk of irregular heartbeats or electrical abnormalities in the heart.

As a response, experts are urging the public to adopt healthier evening habits. That includes limiting screen time at least one hour before sleep, switching to warm or dim lights in the evening, and considering blue-light filters on devices.

These simple changes could improve not only sleep quality but also long-term cardiovascular wellness—an aspect often underestimated in our tech-saturated daily lives.