Skip to main content

A new study says pregnant women should do this before bed

Pregnancy tip: Dim lights before bed to help reduce risk of gestational diabetes

Bedside with lamp and pillows

Most pregnant women take their health very seriously. They work hard to make sure they’re eating well and staying active to help grow the healthiest human possible and avoid any issues that could impact their pregnancy. One of those issues is gestational diabetes. The CDC reports that anywhere between 2% and 10% of those tested will develop gestational diabetes during their pregnancy.

While eating a balanced diet is a big factor and a common pregnancy tip in preventing gestational diabetes, a new study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Maternal Fetal Medicine suggests that prolonged light exposure at night can also increase a pregnant person’s chance of developing this potentially harmful condition.

Turn off the lights earlier

The study showed that of the 741 women involved in the study, those who developed gestational diabetes had a greater exposure to light in the 3 hours before bed than those who didn’t. “Our study suggests that light exposure before bedtime may be an under-recognized yet easily modifiable risk factor of gestational diabetes,” Dr. Minjee Kim, lead author of the study out of Northwestern University, said in a statement.

Pregnant woman eating

The risks

The study also notes that there has been a rise in the occurrence of gestational diabetes over the last few years. In 2020, gestational diabetes was present in 7.8% of births in the U.S. “It’s alarming,” Kim said. “Gestational diabetes is known to increase obstetric complications, and the mother’s risk of diabetes, heart disease, and dementia. The offspring also are more likely to have obesity and hypertension as they grow up.” Now, it seems that in addition to eating well and staying active, simply reducing your exposure to light before bed can help reduce the risk of gestational diabetes.

Pregnant woman relaxing on a couch with her laptop

Potential sources

It can be tempting to surf the internet on your phone or laptop or watch some TV before bed, or maybe even read a bit before turning in. Unfortunately, any of this can expose you to bright lights which, according to this study, can be harmful. Dimming the lights while doing this may help mitigate any risks. “We don’t think about the potential harm of keeping the environment bright from the moment we wake up until we go to bed,” stated Kim. “But it should be pretty dim for several hours before we go to bed. We probably don’t need that much light for whatever we do routinely in the evening.”

For many women, those precious hours before bed are the only time during the day they can relax, and that often involves watching a favorite show or surfing online. Kim suggested not using electronics for 3 hours before bed, but if that isn’t realistic, try keeping the lights dimmed. “Try to reduce whatever light is in your environment in those 3 hours before you go to bed,” Kim said. “It’s best not to use your computer or phone during this period. But if you have to use them, keep the screens as dim as possible.”

Editors' Recommendations

Kelli Catana
Contributor
Kelli is a freelance writer who has covered the world of entertainment, pop culture, parenting, and lifestyle for various…
Hospital bag checklist: What to pack for your labor and delivery stay
Here are the items you should pack in your bag for your hospital trip
Pregnant woman packing a hospital bag

Throughout your pregnancy, you've probably spent a lot of time planning. From organizing the nursery to buying the baby clothes and stocking up on supplies, you're ready to finally welcome your little one, but first, you need to plan one more thing. Packing your hospital bag for your labor and delivery stay is just as important as planning for your new baby's arrival, and we're here to help you with a handy hospital bag checklist, so you won't forget anything.

When to pack the bag
One thing we know about babies is that they are unpredictable, and as much as you have planned their arrival around your due date, things can change quickly! That means you really don't want to be waiting until the last minute to pack that hospital bag. Due dates aren't always accurate and sometimes babies come earlier than expected, and you can get overwhelmed and tired as you near the end of your pregnancy.

Read more
What is the most common birthday month? The holidays play a key factor
The most common birthday dates (and the most common month) have one thing in common...
Getting ready for an outside birthday party

Have you noticed there's a specific month when everyone in your child's class has a birthday? Notice months that no one seems to have a birthday at all? There's a reason for that, and it has to do with the timing of the holidays. The most common birthday month that will keep you baking treats for your children's friends and have you constantly running from birthday party to birthday party is at the start of the school year for a reason.
Every child seems to be born in this month
No secret to September
Yes, September has the most common birthday dates. Why? Well, do the math backward, and where does that land you? During the holidays! And what do we do during the holidays?

Between the parties, gatherings, the holiday spirit -- and perhaps the holiday drinks -- we are in better moods, which leads to more adults enjoying each other's company. Plus, it's cold outside and we stay indoors longer. Track those nine months, and September is where the babies land.
The most common birthdays in order

Read more
What to expect at every ultrasound and how many you may have
What happens when you have an ultrasound at 8 weeks pregnant? Here's what to expect
An ultrasound on a screen

Ultrasounds are something to look forward to but can also be a nerve-wracking experience. They offer a chance to see your developing baby on the inside. You may begin to notice facial features or even see your little one already sucking on their thumb or blowing bubbles. Those tiny feet kicking you? They’ll start to appear, too.

It’s amazing how quickly (but slowly) these soon-to-be humans develop. A 7-week ultrasound may show a small blob-like photo, while ultrasounds at 12 weeks pregnant reveal a forming head and even cheekbones. As you progress in your pregnancy, you’ll see more and more.

Read more