Nighttime Light Exposure Heightens Risk of Heart Disease, Landmark Study Finds

As many Canadians prepare to turn their clocks back an hour this weekend, a landmark study reveals why we should be mindful of our nighttime light exposure.

Researchers at Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia found the more light an individual was exposed to, the higher the risk of heart disease.

“With the advent of the 24/7 society, disruption of our circadian systems has become increasingly common,” Martin Young at the University of Alabama at Birmingham told New Scientist.

“This study highlights the significant health hazards associated with exposure to [light] at the ‘wrong’ time.”

Approximately 89,000 people without cardiovascular disease wore light sensors for one week between 2013 and 2016. Over 8 years, those with the brightest nights had a 23-56% higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease than those with dark nights.

“This is the biggest study of personal light exposure patterns and cardiovascular health to date,” Daniel Windred at Flinders University claimed.

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Disability Benefits for Heart Disease in Canada

Heart disease can have a profound impact on an individual’s ability to perform their job duties — even with appropriate treatment.

For Canadians who can’t work, short-term disability (STD) and long-term disability (LTD) benefits can provide a crucial financial lifeline.

How These Benefits Help

• STD: Provides temporary financial support for individuals unable to perform their job duties.
• LTD: Offers income replacement for individuals unable to return to work for an extended period of time.

To qualify for STD or LTD benefits, medical documentation is essential to demonstrate how your condition prevents you from working.

Sadly, insurance companies often deny legitimate LTD claims — including in cases involving heart disease — adding unnecessary stress to an already difficult situation.

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• Denied LTD? Seek Legal Advice Before Appealing the Decision
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📺 WATCH: Next Steps for Canadians After a Disability Claim is Denied

Claim Denied? Contact Us

If your insurance company prevented you from accessing disability benefits for heart disease, or another medical condition, connect with an experienced disability lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

Our compassionate team regularly resolves issues involving STD, LTD, critical illness, life insurance, and mortgage insurance claims.

We’ve helped countless Canadians secure the compensation they’re owed. Contact us today for a FREE disability consultation.