Lights Out! Is Too Much Artificial Light a Bad Thing?

Artificial light has been hailed as instrumental to human progress, extending the hours available for work or leisure. In recent years, however, scientists and healthcare professionals have become increasingly concerned about "the dark side of night light," finding that too much artificial light can possibly cause metabolic disruptions, obesity, depression, heart problems, higher breast cancer rates, and more traffic and industrial accidents. Directed by Michael McNamara, this PBS-aired documentary examines the role of artificial light in today's 24/7 world. All humans are regulated by a biological clock in our brain known as circadian rhythm. As bedtime approaches, our bodies release melatonin, which encourages sleep. Like a self-winding watch, melatonin shuts down in the morning, and we become more alert and effective as the day progresses. The documentary notes that the Amish, as well as some populations in Asia and Africa who also make do with less artificial light, have fewer ailments. At risk are night shift workers, truckers, factory employees, and flight attendants, with women working through the night believed to be at higher risk for breast cancer. Possible solutions explored here include tricking the body's rhythms with different light hues, special glasses, and new, "smarter" light bulbs. While it's too late to turn back the clock on artificial lighting, this may be a problem that can be controlled. A solid companion documentary to the similarly-themed The City Dark (VL-7/12), this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (S. Rees)