Impact of Light Pollution on the Development of Obesity by Influencing the Quality of Sleep : Graduation Thesis

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of light pollution has been recognized as a significant environmental factor influencing sleep quality and metabolic health. This thesis investigates the hypothesis that light pollution contributes to obesity development by dysrupting sleep patterns. Exposure of artificial light at night interferes with the circadian rhythm, leading to melatonin suppression, fragmented sleep, delayed sleep onset and hormonal imbalances. Leptin, ghrelin and cortisol are mostly affected by ALAN and contribute to increased hunger and appetite, weight gain, fat accumulation and insulin resistance. This paper shows recent evidence, by presenting several studies and review papers linking higher obesity rates to light pollution. This thesis underlines the importance of recognizing light pollution as a modifiable risk factor in the obesity epidemic and advocates for integrated approaches to combine environmental, lifestyle and interventions to improve human health