Morning Light Exposure Beneficial for Kids

A recent study published in the Journal of Sleep Research found that bright light exposure early in the morning can lead to faster sleep onset at night. Children often reap this benefit as they tend to wake earlier. According to Minal Patel, M.D., a board-certified pediatrician specializing in sleep medicine at Pediatrix® Specialty Care of Austin, light exposure affects the circadian system (the timing of the sleep-wake cycle) and, consequently, sleep quality as well as melatonin production. “Bright light exposure early in the morning shuts down the production of melatonin from the brain in the morning, promotes alertness and causes advance release of melatonin from the body at night, causing quicker sleep onset,” said Dr. Patel. This helps kids to have better focus on school mornings and wind down more easily for bedtime. “Lack of alignment to light exposure can affect sleep quality and quantity, which can affect mental health, physical health and academic performance,” added Dr. Patel.

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