Light pollution is making you sick, fat. Yet regulatory practices remain scant
Around 80% of the world's population lives under skies classified as "light-polluted," according to the World Atlas of Artificial Sky Luminance (2016).While establishing a direct causal relationship between light pollution and metabolic diseases in India is challenging due to the lack of controlled studies, there is ample global evidence showing that light pollution has severe health impacts, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and even Alzheimer's disease.advertisementClinical practice has consistently shown that hormonal imbalances and metabolic dysfunctions, including diabetes, have increased manifold in areas with high exposure to artificial light at night (ALAN).
Experts have flagged stress, disrupted sleep, and circadian rhythm imbalances, all of which are exacerbated by light pollution, as major contributors.A team of researchers from the School of Planning and Architecture, in their study "Light Pollution in India: Appraisal of Artificial Night Sky Brightness of Cities", identified Bengaluru, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Delhi, and Mumbai as the most light-polluted cities in India.
Experts have flagged stress, disrupted sleep, and circadian rhythm imbalances, all of which are exacerbated by light pollution, as major contributors. ()
advertisementThey classified light pollution as a side effect of rapid urbanisation, and the researchers further highlighted how increased use of outdoor lighting and rising night-sky brightness pose significant threats to both human health and environmental well-being.OBESITY SPIKESA 2024 paper published in the Diabetes & Metabolism Journal described light pollution as an "alarming trend", stating that pervasive use of ALAN is emerging as a disruptor of natural circadian rhythms, potentially leading to unhealthy lifestyle behaviours such as poor sleep and erratic eating patterns. Read the full paperGerman researchers Jorien Laermans and Inge Depoortere, renowned for their work on circadian biology and metabolism, found that urban light pollution is a major circadian disruptor, and an emerging risk factor for obesity.Globally, artificial light at night is increasing by about 6% annually, and researchers such as Hlker, Fonken, and Nelson have all acknowledged its impact on rising obesity rates.CANCER AND CIRCADIAN DISRUPTIONAnd that's just the beginning of the damage.A Spanish study found higher risks of breast and prostate cancer among people exposed to elevated levels of artificial light at night. An Israeli study recorded a 73% increase in breast cancer incidence in areas with high night-time illumination. ALAN is believed to subdue melatonin, an essential hormone for regulating circadian rhythms.
Globally, artificial light at night is increasing by about 6% annually. ()
This influences cancer development either through hormonal disruption, or impaired DNA repair, or even increased cell proliferation, and chronic inflammation.MISSING IN ACTION: REGULATIONStreetlights, illuminated billboards, neon signage, white industrial and office lighting at night, and household lights are known to be major sources of light pollution.While about 1 crore smart LED streetlights have been installed in Delhi, Punjab, Chandigarh, HP, Haryana and other states (annual energy savings of 6.71 billion kWh and reduction of GHG emission by 4.63 million tCO2 every year), light pollution itself remains largely unregulated.Not so long ago, in April 2025, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) had informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that there is no statutory framework in India to regulate light pollution, highlighting a critical policy gap.Earlier, in December 2024, the Panchtatva Foundation had also filed a case citing ALAN's disastrous impact on human circadian health. The NGT proactively sought responses from relevant ministries but till date no concrete regulatory action has been issued.Artificial light at night may be invisible to the eye as a pollutant, but its impact on public health, ecology, and climate is undeniable. It's time policymakers took ALAN seriously before our cities become even brighter, fatter, and sicker.Must Watch
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Time of India
Finger movements may hold the secret to Alzheimer's diagnosis, new study reveals
A groundbreaking study has found a possible link between finger movement patterns and brain changes in patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease, which can give rise to a new non-invasive diagnostic method. The research, published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, examines how subtle variations in finger movement, timing, rhythm, and coordination can be indicative of changes in the brain structure characteristic of dementia. This is an important issue given that Alzheimer's, the most common form of dementia, accounts for 60–80% of the total number of cases globally. Why are finger movements significant? The study was carried out by Junpei Sugioka and some neurologists and neuroscientists from Japan. They used a voxel-based analysis technique called VSRAD (Voxel-based Specific Regional Analysis System for Alzheimer's Disease) to compare brain atrophy patterns among patients with Alzheimer's disease. The software helps in detecting changes in a few regions of the brain, largely the medial temporal region, which is critical for cognition and memory. By correlating measures of finger movement with brain scans, the scientists discovered dramatic correlations between motor control dysfunction and brain volume loss in patients. That is, worsening fine motor skills—too commonly overlooked—may offer early biomarkers of neurodegeneration. Implications for early detection "Our results suggest that testing of motor function, and particularly finger movement analysis, could become a viable screening test for cognitive impairment," the authors wrote. This is especially significant in rural or low-resource settings, where access to expensive MRI scans and neurological tests might be limited. Finger-tapping tests, possibly integrated into mobile health software, could be scalable alternatives. Further, screening with such could be done as a regular checkup for older persons. The wider context Aging remains the biggest risk for dementia. As the world's population ages, early diagnostic technologies that are low-cost become increasingly important. Technologies like VSRAD and motor assessment with non-invasive devices may lead the way to community-level screening, allowing earlier treatment and improved outcomes for the patient. They recommend additional longitudinal and cross-validated research in various populations. If true, these results have the potential to transform clinicians' screening for Alzheimer's, redirecting attention away from memory tests alone and toward subtle physical signs that can be observed years before cognitive symptoms develop fully. Is this a more general problem? This study's findings reveal not just a new diagnostic pathway but also signal the possibility of a greater and underestimated issue: systemic neglect of motor function as an early indication of neurological decline. In practice, cognitive symptoms like confusion or memory impairment are traditionally always given first attention, with physical signs like decelerated finger movement or small coordination issues being generally demoted to insignificance or irrelevance. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
India Today
10 hours ago
- India Today
When brain fog signals something more serious
A growing number of people today describe experiencing "brain fog" - a term that, while not a formal medical diagnosis, has increasingly entered everyday is a vague, frustrating sensation that something is not quite right with the way your mind is working. You may struggle to focus, forget things easily, or feel mentally while it is easy to dismiss this as a mere consequence of stress or lack of sleep, it can often be a sign of deeper underlying Brain fog is best described as a state of mental cloudiness. People experiencing it often report difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, a sense of confusion, or a lack of mental clarity. It is not a disease in itself but rather a sympto, one that can result from a variety of physical, psychological, and lifestyle-related to Dr. Anil Kumar Kansal, neurosurgeon at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, a number of medical and lifestyle factors can trigger or worsen brain fog."Chief among them are sleep disorders. Conditions such as insomnia, sleep apnea, or even restless leg syndrome can prevent the brain from getting the restorative rest it needs, leaving one fatigued and foggy during the day," Dr. Kansal told deficiencies are another key factor particularly vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, magnesium, or omega-3 fatty acids that can impair cognitive India, where dietary diversity can vary by region and socio-economic status, these deficiencies are not fluctuations, particularly those occurring during menopause, pregnancy, or in cases of thyroid dysfunction, can also impact brain chemistry and result in fog-like Fatigue Syndrome, a condition marked by persistent and unexplained exhaustion, often comes with cognitive slowing as some cases, brain fog may arise from medications such as sedatives, antihistamines, or antidepressants. Moreover, certain medical conditions, including diabetes, anemia, and neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis or early Alzheimer's, can impair mental is also a lifestyle dimension. Extended screen time, lack of physical activity, poor diet, and chronic stress can all contribute to this foggy state of IT'S MORE THAN JUST FOGWhile brain fog is often benign and temporary, it can also be an early indicator of more serious medical conditions. For instance, in some cases, a brain tumor may initially manifest with subtle cognitive that could suggest something more serious include persistent cognitive impairment, noticeable personality changes, frequent or worsening headaches, especially in the morning, blurred or double vision, and the sudden onset of seizures in adulthood."If someone is experiencing a combination of these symptoms over a prolonged period, it's essential not to ignore them. Early diagnosis can make a critical difference,' said Dr. in many cases, brain fog can be improved through holistic changes to daily habits, the expert first step is consulting a healthcare provider to rule out serious medical causes and identify any underlying health sleep is often the most immediate and effective intervention. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, limiting screen exposure before bed, and creating a restful environment can significantly improve cognitive plays a pivotal role. A balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can support better mental energy. Staying well hydrated is equally important, as even mild dehydration can lead to mental fatigue and difficulty activity, whether it is a brisk walk, yoga, or moderate aerobic exercise, not only improves blood flow to the brain but also helps reduce stress, another key contributor to brain fog. Stress management techniques like meditation, journaling, or spending time in nature can provide mental clarity and emotional BIGGER PICTUREIn a hyperconnected world where burnout, poor lifestyle habits, and rising health burdens are common, brain fog may be the body's way of signalling that something is off it may seem like a small annoyance, it deserves attention, because beneath the haze could lie a condition that needs timely Watch
The Hindu
13 hours ago
- The Hindu
Not all cognitive decline is dementia and not all dementia is Alzheimer's stress clinicians this brain awareness month
The estimated dementia prevalence in India is 7.4% among adults aged 60 and older. This translates to about 8.8 million Indians currently living with dementia. The prevalence is projected to increase significantly in the coming years, with estimates suggesting a rise to 1.7 crore (17 million) by 2036. And it is also increasingly recognised in India as a condition far more complex than memory loss. Dementia represents a progressive decline in cognitive abilities, including language, executive functioning, behaviour, and the capacity to perform daily tasks. Alzheimer's disease remains the most well-known form of dementia, but it is only one of many. Indian clinicians are now focusing on comprehensive evaluations to identify reversible causes, clarifying diagnoses using advanced biomarkers, and staying informed about global advances in therapy -- all while staying grounded in clinical realities and patient context. Identifying reversible causes -- a health priority in dementia care According to Prabash Prabhakaran, director and senior consultant- neurology, SIMS Hospital, Chennai, dementia is often misunderstood as only memory loss, whereas one of the earliest signs could be executive dysfunction --such as a person forgetting how to prepare a familiar dish . He also emphasises the importance of looking for apraxia, which is the loss of learned motor skills, along with changes in gait and bladder control. A distinctive pattern like 'magnetic gait,' where a person shuffles slowly and cannot lift their feet properly, may offer clues pointing to specific subtypes such as Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus. Even in patients with clear signs of cognitive decline, Dr. Prabhakaran warns against over-reliance on imaging or biomarker tests in isolation, stressing that without a robust clinical picture, these tools can mislead more than help. One of the most critical steps in dementia care in India is to rule out reversible causes before settling on a diagnosis like Alzheimer's. This clinical vigilance ensures that treatable conditions are not missed. For instance, vitamin B12 deficiency is a common cause of cognitive issues, especially among vegetarians, and can be easily corrected with supplements. Hypothyroidism is another frequently overlooked condition that can mimic dementia and is reversible with thyroid hormone replacement. Dr. Prabhakaran shares that cases of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus -- where dementia presents alongside gait instability and bladder dysfunction -- can sometimes be reversed almost miraculously by draining around 30 ml of cerebrospinal fluid. There are also rarer possibilities like autoimmune dementia, which constitutes about two to three percent of cases. In such instances, antibody testing for approximately 23 known markers is now available in India. Familial dementia and vasculitis-related cognitive disorders also fall into this category of conditions where early detection can dramatically change outcomes. As Dr. Prabhakaran puts it, 'Even if just one patient benefits from identifying a reversible cause, the clinical effort is worth it.' Clinical evaluations to rule out health risks Imaging continues to be a helpful tool, not for confirmation but for exclusion. MRI scans are used to rule out brain masses, hydrocephalus, and vascular insults. While certain patterns of brain atrophy, particularly in the temporal and parietal lobes, may suggest Alzheimer's disease, these findings are supportive rather than definitive. FDG-PET scans, which measure glucose metabolism, can reveal hypometabolism in specific brain regions, often correlating with suspected Alzheimer's pathology. However, PET scans are advised only when there is already a strong clinical suspicion -- they are not used as screening tools. A major advancement in recent years is the use of blood-based biomarkers that measure levels of tau protein and beta-amyloid -- proteins central to Alzheimer's disease pathology. These are available in India but remain expensive and are not part of routine diagnostics. Dr. Prabhakaran explains that these tests are best used in specific scenarios: when the clinical presentation is ambiguous, when there is mild cognitive impairment, or in cases of early-onset or rapidly progressing dementia. He cautions against using biomarkers indiscriminately, underscoring that their role should always be hypothesis-driven. Srividhya S, associate consultant, department of neurology, Rela Hospital, Chennai notes that biomarker changes can occur nearly 20 years before symptoms appear. She highlights the usefulness of these tests in ruling out Alzheimer's, pointing to their strong negative predictive value. A negative result can give both doctors and families confidence to pursue alternative explanations and care pathways. The role of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing also deserves attention. U. Meenakshisundaram, director & senior consultant, neurology, MGM Healthcare, Chennai, notes that Indian labs now offer CSF analysis for beta-amyloid and phosphorylated tau at a cost of around ₹20,000–₹25,000. Although it requires a lumbar puncture and is thus more invasive, many patients and families opt for it if it provides diagnostic clarity. He also mentions that newer, less invasive serum-based tests for Alzheimer's biomarkers have recently been approved in the United States, though these are not yet available in India. Post-diagnosis medical care and management In terms of treatment, there is growing global excitement about novel therapies. Dr. Meenakshisundaram emphasis that two monoclonal antibodies -- lecanemab and aducanumab -- have been approved in the United States in recent months. These therapies target amyloid plaques and aim to slow disease progression. Though not yet available in India, their approval marks a turning point in how the medical community thinks about Alzheimer's care. Aditya Gupta, director, neurosurgery & cyberknife, Artemis Hospital, Gurugram, stresses that we are now in an era where the goal is not just to manage symptoms but to attempt to modify disease progression. He says that early diagnosis paired with these emerging therapies may finally allow patients and caregivers to move from despair to hope. However, across all experts, there is consensus on several guiding principles. First, dementia is not synonymous with Alzheimer's disease. Diagnosing someone with Alzheimer's prematurely, especially without ruling out other causes, risks missing treatable conditions. Second, investigations must be pragmatically chosen. Dr. Prabhakaran insists that tests should only be performed if their results will influence clinical management. There is no merit in subjecting patients to expensive tests that do not offer actionable insights. Third, biomarkers are tools -- not solutions. They should only be used when the clinical context supports their necessity. Finally, there is a strong push to empower caregivers with knowledge. Early, accurate diagnosis, even if it confirms an irreversible condition, helps families prepare and cope more effectively with behavioural changes and caregiving needs. Cautious hope Experts say that the outlook for dementia care in India is cautiously hopeful. Clinicians are well-informed and increasingly equipped with both traditional tools and cutting-edge diagnostics. Public awareness is growing, particularly among caregivers who seek clarity and early intervention. The next challenge lies in making diagnostics and future therapies more accessible and affordable. With global trials progressing and India's healthcare ecosystem adapting rapidly, dementia care may soon offer more definitive pathways for diagnosis, management, and even therapeutic intervention. Dr. Prabhakaran adds, 'We are on the cusp of a change. A decade from now, early detection may not just offer clarity -- but treatment.' For now, the focus must remain on early clinical evaluation, ruling out reversible causes, and empowering caregivers with the knowledge and resources they need to navigate this complex condition.
