How to optimize your circadian rhythm

In this episode of Life Kit, host Marielle Segarra interviews NPR health correspondent Will Stone about research linking light exposure to overall health. The discussion covers a study that tracked light exposure and mortality rates, revealing that brighter evenings are associated with a higher risk of premature death, while brighter days correlate with a lower risk. Stone and Segarra discuss the importance of maintaining healthy circadian rhythms by maximizing daylight exposure and minimizing light at night. Practical tips include getting at least 45 minutes of outdoor light daily, using blackout curtains, avoiding screens before bed, and using dim, orange nightlights. The key takeaway is the interconnectedness of daytime and nighttime light exposure and their combined impact on health.