"Thisevening, an individual seeks solace in the dimness, yearning for its depth and tranquility, comparable to longing for quiet after an excessive amount of commotion."
Walking in the Woods: A Reflection on Dark Skies and Human Health
In the heart of winter, the author takes a walk in the woods with their dog, surrounded by the rustling leaves, the creaking and sighing of branches, and the sound of crackling twigs, which they assume are caused by squirrels. The canopy of the woods provides a sense of enclosure and darkness, a stark contrast to the garish external lights, the harsh street lights, and the dazzling headlights of the human world.
As the author settles between tree roots and looks up at the night sky, they see stars among the branches. The dog, alive to the thrill of the adventure, is not afraid of the darkness. The author feels a sense of calm and uplift while looking at the night sky, their senses more acute in the dark with sounds and scents being sharper.
This experience is a reminder of the vastness of the universe and our place within it. For many cultures, the night sky has historically been used to keep track of time and the changing seasons. Astronomy, considered the oldest science, has its roots in ancient civilisations, with meticulous observations and methods to record findings.
However, over the past century, the night has become increasingly brighter due to artificial light, leading to the loss of the night sky for many people. Children are growing up without seeing the stars, and many urban dwellers have never seen the Milky Way. This disruption of the natural darkness disrupts the biological clock for all life, leading to significant negative impacts on human health, well-being, and the natural environment.
A large-scale study in China found that exposure to brighter artificial light at night is associated with worse mental health outcomes, including increased risk of mood disorders and cognitive decline. Disruptions extend to unhealthy behaviors, such as late-night eating, which further compound metabolic and cognitive health challenges. Wildlife, including birds, bats, frogs, insects, and plants, also suffer from light pollution, with disruptions to natural biological rhythms and negative impacts on reproduction, feeding, and survival.
To mitigate these negative consequences, the use of human-centric lighting that aligns with natural light patterns can improve sleep quality, concentration, and productivity in humans. Practical measures such as directing lighting downward, using warmer-colored bulbs, reducing unnecessary nighttime illumination, turning off screens before bed, and using blackout curtains can help restore natural rhythms and reduce the harmful impacts on health and ecosystems.
Anna Levin, an author, journalist, and editor with a special interest in people's connections to the natural world, reflects on these issues in her latest book, "Dark Skies." Published in Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee year, "our platform" is a unique magazine that celebrates modern rural life and diverse joys and pleasures, offering a mix of witty and informative content, including property news, gardening, the arts, and interior design, written by experts in their field.
In summary, rising artificial light levels, especially at night, disrupt human circadian biology and mental health while harming wildlife and ecosystems, thereby necessitating informed environmental and lighting policy changes to reduce these harmful impacts.
