Hey night owl,
There’s something primal about nighttime. We plug in our Himalayan salt lamps, our nightlights, our air purifiers with soft blue glows. We tell ourselves it’s for “ambiance” or sleep hygiene.
But here’s the truth: bugs love the light. And not just moths.
German cockroaches are light-sensitive. They wait in the walls, pipes, or under your appliances until the coast is clear—then they feast. Bed bugs? They don’t care about the light. They’re interested in your still, warm body. And gnats? Your bathroom vanity light might as well be a nightclub.
Meanwhile, your body is confused. That melatonin it’s supposed to be making? Delayed. Your gut bugs (yes, you have those) have circadian rhythms, too. When your light exposure’s off, so is everything else: digestion, immunity, sleep.
And while all that’s happening outside your body, something’s happening inside, too.
Some of the busiest bugs at night live in your gut.
Your good gut bugs (you have trillions) run the overnight shift. They break down food, balance inflammation, and keep your immune system in check. But they’re sensitive. Blue light, late-night snacks, and bad sleep throw them off. Bloated belly? Mood swings? Weird dreams? Could be your inner ecosystem protesting.
Then there are the ones you didn’t invite.
Parasites thrive after dark. Worms, protozoa, and single-celled party crashers get bold when your immune system powers down. They stir up sugar cravings, night sweats, restlessness—even teeth grinding. (You’re not imagining it.)
So what can you do?
Ditch the nightlight unless you need it. Your nervous system—and your liver—will thank you.
Use amber or red-toned lights at night. It’s less disruptive to you and less attractive to bugs.
If you live in a humid area, check under sinks and baseboards before you go to bed. That’s when the action starts.
And if your pet won’t stop scratching at night? Check their bed. Certain mites are most active after dusk.
Little light = big intuition.
There’s something powerful about getting comfortable in the dark. You see more. Hear more. Notice more. Just like the bugs do.
P.S. Bugs aren’t the only things working behind the scenes. So is your tech:
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Until next time,
Gabi & Bea