Our bodies are regulated by internal biological clocks referred to as circadian rhythms that control key processes such as sleeping, eating, digestion, and hormone production, among others.

This internal biological clock is synchronized by signals from the external environment such as daylight and dark. These signals are received by specialized nerve cells located in the retina of the eyes that send signals to the brain to regulate the body’s biological clock.

However, modern life, with its increasing use of electronic devices, nighttime shift work, and jet lag, can disrupt the synchronization of our biological clocks leading to various health problems. In this article, we will discuss how triants, a type of light pollution, impacts our biological clock and overall health.

What are Triants?

Triants are a type of artificial light that often come from streetlights, headlights, and other light sources that emit blue light.

These kinds of artificial lights activate the melanopsin-containing, photosensitive ganglion cells in the retina, which in turn send signals to the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) located in the hypothalamus of the brain. The SCN acts as the circadian pacemaker, and its neurons release neurotransmitters such as vasopressin, and vasoactive intestinal peptide to regulate the body’s internal biological clock.

The Effect of Triants on Circadian Rhythms

Exposure to triants during nighttime hours can have a significant impact on the body’s circadian rhythm.

Triants activate the melanopsin-containing, photosensitive ganglion cells in the retina of the eye even when the person has closed their eyes, leading to decreased levels of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. The exposure to blue-rich artificial light can shift the phase of the circadian rhythm, leading to a delay in the onset of sleep and a later wake-up time.

Chronic exposure to triants can lead to various health problems such as insomnia, metabolic syndrome, obesity, depression, and an increased risk of some cancers.

The Connection Between Triants and Obesity

According to a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology (AJE), exposure to artificial light at night was associated with an increased risk of obesity.

The study analyzed data from women enrolled in the Nurses’ Health Study II (NHSII) and found that those who reported sleeping in rooms with the most intense light at night had a significantly higher risk of developing obesity. The researchers also found that the association was partially explained by a decrease in sleep duration and quality, increased appetite, and decreased physical activity.

The Connection Between Triants and Depression

Exposure to triants at night time may also have an impact on mental health. A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that exposure to artificial light, including triants, is associated with depressive symptoms.

The study surveyed 863 elderly adults and found that those exposed to higher levels of artificial light at night had a higher likelihood of depression. The researchers believe that the mechanism underlying this association might be the disruption of melatonin production, which has an antidepressant effect.

The Connection Between Triants and Cancer

Triants have also been associated with an increased risk of breast and prostate cancer, according to a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

The researchers studied the association between night shift work and cancer in 1.4 million people from 12 international cohort studies. The study found that working night shifts with exposure to artificial light at night, including triants, was associated with an increased risk of breast and prostate cancer in women and men, respectively.

The study suggests that the disruption of melatonin secretion may be the underlying mechanism responsible for the increased risk.

How to Minimize Triants Exposure

There are various ways to reduce exposure to triants, including using warm-colored light sources like orange and red lights instead of blue-white ones.

Installing light shields, curtains, or blinds can also reduce the amount of light entering the bedroom. Turning off electronic devices such as phones, tablets, and laptops at least one hour before bedtime, and avoiding exposure to screens before bed can help reset the biological clock.

Conclusion

The impact of artificial light, including triants, on the body’s internal biological clock can have a significant impact on overall health.

Exposure to triants at night time can lead to various health problems such as obesity, depression, and an increased risk of some cancers. While there are various ways to reduce exposure to triants, awareness of the potential dangers of artificial light at night is essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.