A growing body of research now points to a troubling reality for millions worldwide: exposure to artificial light after dark—whether from smartphones, bright hospital lamps, or night shifts—may be fundamentally rewiring the human brain, with ripple effects throughout the body. New findings highlight the health risks tied to Thailand’s own rapidly urbanizing, brightly lit environment, raising concerns for workers and families across the nation.
Rapid urbanization in Thailand has brought the glow of artificial light to every corner, from Bangkok’s neon-lit streets to rural provinces seeing a surge in 24-hour service culture. While most Thais associate bright lighting with modern comfort and safety, scientists are finding that our brains remain hardwired for ancient, natural cycles of light and darkness—a system increasingly disrupted by modern habits. According to recent research by leading neuroscientists at West Virginia University, the effects extend well beyond sleeplessness: chronic exposure to artificial light at night has been shown to disturb our body’s master clock, or circadian rhythm, which in turn can weaken the immune system, increase inflammation, change appetite-regulating hormones, and disrupt mood.
Thailand, with nearly 20% of its workforce comprising shift workers in sectors such as industry, healthcare, and services (ILO data), faces unique health risks from round-the-clock light exposure. The disruptions are especially pronounced for hospital staff, factory operators, and security personnel—groups now the focus of clinical trials aiming to reduce the harm.
The science behind these findings is rooted in evolutionary biology. Human brains evolved to expect darkness after sunset, synchronizing vital processes—such as hormone release, metabolism, and organ function—with the day-night cycle. When artificial light enters the eyes at the wrong time, the brain becomes confused, sending mixed signals that derail everything from blood sugar processing to mood regulation. Research cited by Dr. Randy Nelson, who chairs the Department of Neuroscience at West Virginia University, indicates that chronic nighttime light exposure increases risks for diabetes, obesity, depression, anxiety, and even poor outcomes in intensive care units. “We have two clinical trials in which we are examining the role of blocking the disruptive effects of light at night on clinical outcomes after stroke and cardiac surgery in the intensive care units,” stated the research leader (Study Finds), emphasizing that these risks are both immediate and long-term.
Studies focusing on shift workers—who account for nearly 15% of the workforce in the United States and similar proportions in Thailand—have found measurable changes in blood sugar levels, hormones controlling hunger and satiety, and markers of brain inflammation. This inflammation, in particular, has been linked in global research to an increased risk of mood disorders common among night workers. According to the West Virginia research, erratic patterns of stress hormones disrupt immune function—a concern for frontline workers in Thailand’s hospitals, who have played a critical role during recent pandemic surges.
Attempts to translate these scientific discoveries into real-world improvements are now underway. The latest clinical trials are targeting hospitals, with experiments on “circadian lighting”—lighting schemes that adjust color and intensity to mimic natural cycles—and the use of blue light devices to help reset staff body clocks after night shifts. If successful, such innovations could inform policies at Thai hospitals, factories, and offices, with benefits for worker health and productivity.
A simple, actionable strategy for both households and businesses is the adoption of warmer (amber or red) lights for evening hours, blackout curtains for bedrooms, and careful adjustment of screen time after sunset. Some companies globally have begun adopting programmable “circadian lighting” systems, and there is growing momentum for similar changes in Southeast Asian high-rise office and apartment blocks. In Thailand, where 24/7 convenience has shaped new social norms, these preventative steps could reduce health-system burdens linked to sleep disorders, obesity, and mood-related problems.
One overlooked challenge highlighted by these studies is the lack of scientific data tracking the time of day research experiments are conducted. “The answer to an experimental question may depend in part on the time-of-day when the question is asked,” observes the principal investigator. This insight, though seemingly minor, could affect the design of future Thai health studies and improve reproducibility in medical research conducted at major universities and hospitals.
In Thai culture, where “สุขภาพดีไม่มีขาย อยากได้ต้องทำเอง” (good health cannot be bought; you must make it yourself) remains a core belief, these findings call for renewed attention to environment and daily habits. Historical traditions such as placing candles or low-wattage lanterns at home after dusk, common in provincial households, may hold health value for modern city dwellers now surrounded by LEDs and giant screens.
Looking forward, municipalities across Thailand may face pressure to consider the health impact of street lighting and issue guidelines encouraging healthier urban lighting design. At a policy level, changes to building codes that encourage human-friendly lighting environments could find support among health advocates.
For now, the message for Thai readers is clear: take steps to align home, work, and community lighting with the body’s natural rhythms. Households can invest in blackout curtains, use dimmer switches or amber bulbs after sunset, and limit screen time an hour before sleep. Employers can explore adjustable lighting systems and support workers in scheduling shifts that respect biological needs. As Thailand’s population rapidly urbanizes and technology use climbs, attending to natural cycles may prove critical to sustaining physical and mental health for generations to come.
For more information, readers can review the detailed research summary at Study Finds and explore further advice on circadian health from international organizations such as the World Health Organization and local Thai public health agencies.