Hangzhou: A new study has revealed that the bright lights of large cities increase the risk of stroke in humans.
According to media reports, a study conducted by Chinese researchers has shown that artificial lights that illuminate during the night affect blood flow in the brain in a way that increases the risk of stroke.
Researchers have indicated that individuals who are exposed to artificial lights during the night are 43% more likely to develop diseases related to cerebral arteries including conditions where arteries become blocked, restricting blood supply to the brain and conditions where blood begins to flow into the brain both of which are causes of stroke.
Jian Bing Wang, a researcher at the School of Medicine, Zhejiang University in China stated in a news release that based on the results, they advise people especially those living in urban areas to keep themselves safe from the artificial lights of the city or at least reduce their exposure to it.
The researchers also noted that as a result of increased use of artificial lighting, one-fifth of the global population is living in environments contaminated with light exacerbating the risk of stroke and other health issues.
