News — light pollution

The city never sleeps—but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. Urban life pulses with energy, but behind the shimmering lights and hum of traffic lies an invisible threat to health: environmental pollution not of the air or water, but of sound and light. While you might brush off the occasional honk or glow from a streetlamp, research shows that even low levels of ambient noise and artificial light can wreak havoc on your ability to get restful, restorative sleep.

More than a nuisance, urban noise and light pollution are increasingly recognized as serious disruptors of circadian rhythm, melatonin production, and mental health. From sleep fragmentation to long-term risks like cardiovascular disease and depression, the stakes are higher than most city dwellers realize. This article explores the science of how our environment sabotages sleep, and what you can do to reclaim the rest you need—whether you live in a penthouse or a studio by a busy street.