Why is it good to sleep in pitch dark

Sleeping in pitch dark is beneficial for several reasons, linked to improved mood, mental health, and overall well-being. According to Andrew Huberman, spending 6 to 8 hours in a dim or completely dark environment every 24-hour cycle, independent of light exposure and sleep, can enhance mental health outcomes. Darkness during this period appears to improve mood and mental health in ways that are not solely related to how much light is received during the daytime or the amount of sleep 1.

Bright light exposure between 10:00 PM and 04:00 AM can significantly reduce melatonin levels, which is the hormone that helps you feel sleepy and fall asleep. Hence, it’s important to keep the sleeping environment dark to avoid disrupting this hormone 2.

Additionally, children who sleep in dark rooms are less likely to develop myopia, or nearsightedness, compared to those who sleep with a nightlight or dim lights, suggesting that darkness while sleeping may also play a role in preventing vision problems 3.

Lastly, keeping the room dark and at a cool temperature is conducive to getting into and maintaining deep sleep, as the body needs to drop 1 to 3 degrees to enter and stay asleep 4.

Overall, the absence of light at night supports both mental and physical aspects of health, including the circadian rhythm which is critical to numerous bodily functions.