# People Living in Places with Limited Illuminance Declare Better Health and Higher Quality of Life in Environmental and Physical Domains

## TL;DR

People living in areas with less artificial light at night report better sleep, fewer health issues, and higher quality of life.

## Contribution

This study empirically links reduced urban lighting to improved health and quality of life in physical and environmental domains.

## Key findings

- Residents in the Dark Sky Park reported better sleep satisfaction and fewer sleep problems.
- Those in the Dark Sky Park had higher environmental and physical quality of life scores.
- Typical street lighting was associated with more eye, cardiovascular, and mood issues.

## Abstract

Background. Exposure to artificial light at night can lead to circadian disruption and health risks. It can cause mood swings, confusion, and depression. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the relationship between the illuminance of urban lighting and the health of residents. Methods: This study was carried out among residents of two similar towns, one with typical street lighting and a Dark Sky Park characterized by reduced lighting. A total of 272 respondents participated in this study. A self-administered questionnaire and the WHOQOL-BREF were used among the respondents. Results. People living in the Dark Sky Park were more likely to be satisfied with their sleep (p < 0.001). In fact, 58.7% of Dark Sky Park residents reported no sleep problems. In the control town, only 49.25% did (p = 0.04). The sleep duration was similar in the two towns, but Dark Sky Park residents were statistically less likely to use sleeping pills and window blinds. People exposed to typical street lighting at night reported suffering from eye diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and mood changes more often than those living in the Dark Sky Park. The environmental and physical quality of life, as measured by the WHOQOL-BREF, were significantly higher in the Dark Sky Park residents than in the control town (p < 0.05). Conclusions. People living in places with limited illuminance declare better health and a higher quality of life in the physical and environmental domains.