01/30/2026
Night night. Your sleep environment matters more than you think.
Getting truly restorative sleep starts with a dark room. Research suggests that sleeping in total or near-total darkness may support not only better rest, but also overall heart health.
Why this matters:
Quality sleep helps your body repair tissue, regulate inflammation, balance hormones, and support healthy circulation. All of these play a role in healing, pain reduction, and even foot and ankle recovery.
A recent study found a connection between higher exposure to artificial light at night and an increased risk of heart disease. While this does not prove cause and effect, it highlights how nighttime light may interfere with the body’s natural recovery process.
Want to sleep darker tonight? Try these simple tips:
• Use blackout curtains or shades
• Wear a soft, comfortable sleep mask
• Dim lights about 60 minutes before bed and use warm bulbs
• Turn off the TV before sleep and use night mode on devices if needed
• Cover or remove small glowing lights from electronics
The takeaway:
Darkness isn’t just cozy. It’s an important signal that helps your body shift into rest and recovery mode.
Small changes to your sleep environment can support better rest and better health overall.