Animals exposed to nightlights lost their intense preference for sweet drinks, an indication they no longer got pleasure out of the activities they used to enjoy.
Also, when placed in water, they floated instead of trying to escape as did animals exposed to normal nighttime darkness which again, suggests depression. So, what’s going on here?
The hippocampus, which is responsible for memory and plays a role in depression, isn’t as active in those who sleep with nightlights as those who sleep in complete darkness.
The dim light shines through eyelids and doesn’t allow the hippocampus to do its nightly routine of filing information and emotionally processing events.
Only two weeks of sleeping in the dark allows the brain to reset itself. Turn off the nightlight after your little one falls asleep.
Claudia
Join me on Facebook at Dr. Claudia McCulloch.
At DrClaudia.net, click on the "Ask Me" button and send me a question.
Sign up for the Sunday newsletter. Don't miss a thing!