This weekend's solar storm could damage your health, expert warns

A huge solar flare has sent electromagnetic material hurtling towards the Earth

With Earth set to be slammed with huge geometric storms between today and over the weekend, a health expert has explained how and why this could hit your health - and what you need to do. Due to heightened solar activity, alerts have been issued all around the plant for severe geomagnetic storms over the next few days.

Tony Spencer, sleep & anxiety expert from Spruce, said intense solar activity can disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm, nervous system, heart rate and blood pressure — even if they’re not visible to the human eye in the form of an aurora, according to research.

Tony said: “According to researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health who studied environmental radiation, including the links between solar activity and human health, of solar activity is intense, geomagnetic activity is intense too. In intense geomagnetic activity, they observed an increase of heart rate variability, reduction of cognitive function, increase of blood pressure and adverse health outcomes for pregnant women.

“This is in part because visible light from solar flares can disrupt the circadian rhythm, which can in turn affect heart function and the body’s ability to regulate glucose. But even when solar activity is not visible to the naked eye, the body can still be affected by changes in the electromagnetic radiation spectrum. People with chronic diseases who are more sensitive to circadian rhythm disruption, such as the elderly and people with diabetes, may be affected more than healthy people."

An emerging body of research has linked short-term increases in geomagnetic disturbances to a range of adverse health effects, including cardiovascular diseases, neurological diseases, behavioural diseases and increased total mortality, according to one 2022 study led by Zilli Vieira and published in Science of the Total Environment.

Also, periods of intense solar activity and geomagnetic disturbances have been found to impair lung function in elderly men, and are linked to a higher risk of an atrial fibrillation event, potentially because they amplify the harmful effects of pollutants in the atmosphere, according to another 2022 study in Science of the Total Environment, and a 2021 study in EP Europace.

Tony said: “If we feel anxious or our heart accelerates or we feel some heart arrhythmia during this period, try to calm down and understand that it could be due to the effects of the solar storm and take steps to try to calm yourself as best you can. Give yourself a break if you are feeling out of sorts over the next few days, especially if you find sleeping hard. Knowing you might be impacted and being aware you might want to take extra steps to try offset any effect of solar storms is, to be honest, half the battle.”

How can people try to lessen the effects of solar storms?

• Consistent sleep schedule: Our bodies have an internal clock, or circadian rhythm, that regulates various physiological processes. By maintaining consistent sleep and wake times, we reinforce this natural rhythm. During geomagnetic disturbances, which some studies suggest may affect melatonin production, this consistency becomes even more crucial in maintaining our sleep-wake cycle.
• Limiting blue light: Blue light suppresses melatonin production, our sleep-inducing hormone. During solar storms, when our bodies might be more sensitive to external stimuli, reducing blue light exposure becomes particularly important to ensure our natural melatonin production isn't further disrupted.
• Calming bedtime routine: Engaging in relaxing activities before bed helps lower cortisol levels (our stress hormone) and promotes the production of melatonin. This can be especially beneficial during geomagnetic events when some people report feeling more anxious or restless.
• Optimized sleep environment: A dark, quiet, and cool room mimics the natural conditions our ancestors evolved in. During periods of potential electromagnetic disturbance, creating an ideal sleep sanctuary can help insulate us from external factors that might disrupt our rest.
• Grounding: While scientific evidence is still emerging, some researchers hypothesize that grounding (direct skin contact with the Earth's surface) may help balance our body's electrical state. This could potentially mitigate any effects from geomagnetic storms, which alter the Earth's electromagnetic field.
• Stress-reduction techniques: Practices like meditation and deep breathing activate the parasympathetic nervous system, our "rest and digest" mode. This can be particularly beneficial during solar storms, which some believe may increase sympathetic ("fight or flight") nervous system activity.
• Healthy diet: Magnesium and B vitamins play crucial roles in neurotransmitter production and nervous system function. Ensuring adequate intake of these nutrients may help our bodies better cope with potential stress from geomagnetic activity.
• Hydration: Proper hydration is essential for all bodily functions, including the production and regulation of neurotransmitters that affect mood and sleep. Dehydration can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and fatigue, which some report during solar storms.
• Limiting caffeine and alcohol: Both substances can interfere with sleep quality and increase anxiety. Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors, interfering with our natural sleep drive, while alcohol, despite its sedative effects, often leads to poorer quality sleep and increased anxiety as it metabolizes.
• Mental health mindfulness: Acknowledging anxiety without judgment can prevent a cycle of stress about being stressed. This metacognitive awareness can be particularly helpful during geomagnetic events, allowing individuals to recognize potential influences on their mood without becoming overly concerned.

Tony said: “Remember, while some people report sensitivity to geomagnetic activity, the scientific evidence for widespread effects is still developing. It's always a good idea to consult with healthcare professionals about persistent sleep or anxiety issues.”