Saturday, October 31, 2020

are sleep aid sales increasing?

Some Google bot showed a letter to an editor in a feed in my smartphone that I was reading in bed. A phrase caught my eye: "Light pollution is already robbing us of our inherent right to darkness and is manifested in our ever-increasing consumption of sleep aids."

The full letter I transcribe here:

Dear Editor:

Re:  the proposed lighthouse at a new West Kelowna winery:

One of the most appreciated attractions of the Okanagan is the natural beauty of it, both day and night.  We celebrate images of the full moon reflecting on the lake and have areas of dark sky that reveal ancient celestial wonders to tourists who come here to escape city lights.

We also are fortunate enough to have an observatory attracting hundreds every year.  People young and old alike are encouraged to look up to see the timeless wonders of our solar system and on a good night, the Milky Way.

We, in the Okanagan, have the ability to share a far richer experience than an obnoxious flood light overpowering our little piece of paradise.

Light pollution is already robbing us of our inherent right to darkness and is manifested in our ever-increasing consumption of sleep aids.

Please oppose this obscene proposal of a giant lighthouse and encourage instead, an observation tower where people can sip wine by starlight.

Patricia Reid, West Kelowna

It is from the Letters to the editor, Oct. 30, 2020 page of the Kelowna Daily Courier, mid-way.

OK. Lots of hyperbole but there's a good point within. 

We often say light pollution is unhealthy.

If I can find trend data for sleep medication prescriptions, that would be helpful.

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