About this episode:

In this episode of Everyday Medicine, Dr. Michael Blahut explores how artificial indoor lighting—especially fluorescent and LED light—quietly disrupts circadian rhythm, dopamine signaling, sleep, mood, and nervous system regulation. Drawing on biology, environmental medicine, and historical insight from The Invisible Rainbow, this conversation reframes light as a foundational health input rather than a neutral convenience.

While the discussion applies to everyone, children often show the effects of light imbalance first—through sleep resistance, emotional dysregulation, attention issues, and behavior changes. Adults experience the same biology, just more slowly.

This episode invites listeners to rethink the light environments they live in—and why restoring natural light rhythms may be one of the most overlooked tools in modern healing.

Topics Covered

* Why modern chronic disease rose alongside indoor living and electrification

* The difference between artificial light and full-spectrum natural sunlight

* How incandescent, fluorescent, and LED lighting affect biology differently

* Light’s role in circadian rhythm, dopamine, sleep, and emotional regulation

* Why children often respond more quickly to lighting changes

* Classroom research linking fluorescent lighting to increased ADHD-like symptoms

* How artificial light disrupts nervous system regulation in both kids and adults

* Why light is a foundational input—not an afterthought—in health

* How biologically aligned environments support healing and restoration

Mentioned in This Episode

Further Reading & Practical GuidanceDr. Blahut’s latest Substack article expands on this topic with practical, step-by-step strategies for supporting children and families through healthier light exposure at home:

This article covers:

* How to adjust lighting without family conflict

* Which changes matter most

* Why children often improve quickly

* A simple 30-day reset approach

Everyday Medicine Renew Yourself Retreat (May, Costa Rica)This episode reflects one of the core principles behind the Everyday Medicine Retreat: healing environments matter.

At the retreat, participants experience:

* Natural daylight exposure

* Darkness at night

* Minimal artificial lighting

* Restored circadian rhythm and nervous system balance

Learn more here: https://everyday-medicine.com/retreats/

About the Host

Dr. Michael Blahut, DO is a holistic family physician and author of Everyday Medicine: Ancient Secrets to Awaken Our Innate Healing Abilities. He offers functional and integrative medicine consultations through HolisticFamilyCarePA.com and shares resources, education, and retreats focused on restoring biological alignment at Everyday-Medicine.com.

Stay Connected

* Website: https://everyday-medicine.com

* Consultations: https://holisticfamilycarepa.com

Get full access to Everyday Medicine: Awaken Your Innate Healing Abilities at drmichaelblahut.substack.com/subscribe