Linking Artificial Light at Night with Human Health via a Multi-Component Framework: A Systematic Evidence Map

The effects of artificial light at night (ALAN) on human health have drawn increased attention in the last two decades. Numerous studies have discussed the effects of ALAN on human health on diverse topics. A broader scope of how ALAN may affect human health is thus urgently needed. This paper depicts a systematic evidence map in a multi-component framework to link ALAN with human health through a comprehensive literature review of English research articles in the past two decades. A three-phase systematic review was conducted after a generalized search of relevant articles from three publication databases, namely Scopus, the Web of Science, and PubMed. In total, 552 research articles were found in four categories and on numerous topics within our framework. We cataloged the evidence that shows direct and indirect as well as positive and negative effects of ALAN on human physical and mental health. We also summarized the studies that consider ALAN as a social determinant of human health. Based on our framework and the systematic evidence map, we also suggest several promising directions for future studies, including method design, co-exposure and exposome studies, and social and environmental justice.

Automated summary

The effects of artificial light at night (ALAN) on human health have gained significant attention in the past two decades. Many studies have discussed the diverse impacts of ALAN on human health, highlighting the need for a broader understanding. This paper presents a systematic evidence map in a multi-component framework, linking ALAN with human health through an extensive review of English research articles. The findings reveal both direct and indirect effects of ALAN on human physical and mental health, as well as its role as a social determinant of health. The paper also proposes promising directions for future studies, including method design, co-exposure and exposome studies, and social and environmental justice.