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Invisible solar storms bring risk of heart and brain problems, sleep expert warns
The largest solar flare since 2017 has been spotted erupting from the surface of the Sun, with disruptions to radio communications and satellites and glimpses of aurora borealis, or the Northern Lights, possible over the coming days.
Geometric storms can impact us in smaller ways, too, such as by disrupting our sleep patterns. Thats according to Tony Spencer, sleep expert and founder of a family-owned CBD business. Getting the perfect nights sleep requires a perfect mix of physical activity, regulating screen time, getting the temperature right, and managing your anxiety. Well, it looks like we can add not living through a geomagnetic solar storm to that list. But there are a few things you can do to set yourself up as well as possible, assuming you’re not out chasing the aurora.
Solar storms can impact sleep quality even if theyre invisible to the naked eye
Even if its not visible to the human eye, like in the form of an aurora, intense solar activity such as were currently experiencing can disrupt the bodys circadian rhythm, nervous system, heart rate, and blood pressure, Tony says.
He explains that solar activity leads to geomagnetic activity, which studies suggest can result in an increase of heart rate variability, reduction of cognitive function, increase of blood pressure, and adverse health outcomes for pregnant women.
He cites research from the Harvard School of Public Health to support this point.
On the one hand, visible light from solar flares can interrupt our sleep patterns. This is no more complex than it sounds. If it’s lighter outside than normal, you’ll find it harder to get to sleep. This has a knock-on impact on heart function and the bodys ability to regulate glucose.
However, even when its invisible, the body can still be affected by changes in the electromagnetic radiation spectrum.
Furthermore, he claims that short-term increases in geomagnetic disturbance have been linked to a range of adverse health effects, including cardiovascular diseases, neurological diseases, behavioral diseases, and increased total mortality. �
For this, he cites a 2022 study published in Science of the Total Environment.
How to protect ourselves against the possible negative effects of solar storms
The things we can do to bolster our defenses against the potential negative health outcomes we risk during massive solar storms are the same things we can always do to get the best sleep possible.
They include:
- Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule.
- Limiting blue light.
- Having a calming bedtime routine.
- Eating well.
- Drinking enough water��and not too much alcohol or coffee.
- Managing our stress levels by being mega-cognitively aware. This means acknowledging any anxiety you feel without judging yourself for feeling it.
Remember, while some people report sensitivity to geomagnetic activity, the scientific evidence for widespread effects is still developing, says Tony. It’s always a good idea to consult with healthcare professionals about persistent sleep or anxiety issues.
And remember this, too. Solar activity has its plus sides! The BBC reports that theres a chance that northern latitudes could see the Northern Lights this weekend as two geomagnetic storms are predicted to hit Earth.
Every cloud, see?
Tony Spencer is a sleep and anxiety expert. He founded Spruce Natural Labs in 2018. Its based in Raleigh, North Carolina and Barcelona, Spain.
