How Increasing Natural Light In Your Home Can Transform Your Well-Being
As we spend more time inside, it’s easy to forget about the benefits of natural light. We’ve become accustomed to artificial light, which is available at any time of the day or night. Sure, we know that natural light can make a room look brighter and more inviting, but did you know that it can also have a positive impact on your health? That’s right, sunlight isn’t just good for your plants – it’s good for you too! From boosting your mood to improving your sleep, there are many benefits to getting more sunlight in your home. In this blog, we’ll look at the many health benefits of increasing natural light in your home, as well as tips on how to get the most out of this essential element.
Artificial light vs. natural light
The debate between artificial and natural light has been ongoing for years, with both having their own set of advantages and disadvantages. However, increasing natural light in your home is known to have more significant benefits for your health and wellbeing, as it is dynamic and contains a full spectrum of both visible and invisible wavelengths, which can improve mood, well-being, productivity and overall happiness. Natural light also decreases eye strain, reducing the risk of headaches and fatigue.
On the other hand, artificial light can be adjusted to enhance performance or relaxation at different times of the day. However, pro-longed exposure to artificial light can negatively affect sleep and our overall health. For example, the blue light emitted by electronic devices such as laptops and smartphones can suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep and wake cycles. As a result, it is preferable to balance both types of light for the best results because artificial light can never replace the benefits of natural sunlight.
The health benefits of getting more natural light
It is good for your mental health
Natural light has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health. People who get more natural light are generally happier and more content than those who don’t. One reason for this is that natural light can stimulate the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood. Serotonin is sometimes called the “feel-good” hormone because it can improve your mood and make you feel happier.
It improves productivity
Natural light can also improve productivity. Past studies have shown that people who work in offices with more natural light are more productive than those who work in offices with artificial light. This is because natural light is better at keeping you alert and focused by reducing eye strain and headaches, making it easier to work for longer periods of time.
It can affect your mood
Natural light can reduce the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that is caused by a lack of natural light during the winter months. People with SAD often experience symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, and a lack of motivation, which is why it’s important to make the most of natural light, especially during the winter months.
It can regulate your sleep-wake cycle
Your body uses natural light to determine when it’s time to wake up and when it’s time to go to sleep because its intensity and wavelength change throughout the day. This is why exposure to natural light during the day can help regulate your body’s internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep at night. It can also improve the quality of your sleep by increasing the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep.
How to increase natural light in your home
There are many ways to increase natural light in your home, from using lighter colours for home decor and walls to investing in roof windows. One of the simplest ways to allow for more sunlight is to get lightweight curtains or open blinds during the day. If you have windows that face the sun, try to keep them uncovered during the peak hours of sunlight. You can also use mirrors to reflect natural light into darker areas of your home.
Investing in roof windows is also one of the most effective ways to increase natural light in your home. These skylights are installed directly into your pitched or flat roof and allow sunlight to pour in from above, brightening up even the darkest rooms. They also come in a variety of styles and sizes to fit any home, and they can even be equipped with shading options to control the amount of light that enters the room. Additionally, roof windows provide excellent ventilation, helping to regulate indoor temperatures and improve air quality.
Final words
In conclusion, increasing natural light in your home can have a significant positive impact on your overall well-being. From improved mood and productivity to better health and sleep, the benefits are numerous. Whether you choose to install roof windows, or simply open up your curtains, there are many ways to increase natural light in your home. So, if you want to feel happier, more productive, and more relaxed, consider letting the sunshine in!
