Scrolling on your phone before bed could have a negative impact on mental health, according to Melbourne researchers.
A Monash University study found people exposed to high amounts of light at night were more prone to the risk of depression, while others only exposed to light during the day had a reduced risk.
Keighly Collins, founder of Sweat with Soul Fitness said he believed exercising in natural light helped clients feel more awake and present.
“I have trained in all different environments and being outside helps my soul connect to the earth,” she said.
“Being in nature gives you the extra connection to self and the environment. You feel calm and aware.”
The study examined more than 80,000 people for their exposure to light, sleep, physical activity and mental health.
Led by Associate Professor Sean Cain and Associate Professor Andrew Phillips, it further found the impact of night light exposure was also independent of demographic, physical activity, season and employment.
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“Our findings will have a potentially huge societal impact,” Cain said.
“Once people understand that their light exposure patterns have a powerful influence on their mental health, they can take some simple steps to optimise their well-being. It’s about getting bright light in the day and darkness at night.
“The take-home message is really clear, it’s simple; get as much bright light as you can in the day.”
“Light is absolutely fundamental to mental heath,” Phillips said.
The study cannot definitively prove excess light after hours causes poorer mental illness, however it did establish an association.
