Natural Light

1. Improves Sleep Without exposure to normal 24-hour light–dark cycles, a person’s sleep–wake cycle can stray by as much as two hours per day. With imbalanced sleep–wake cycle may produce advanced or delayed sleep-phase disorders and lead to chronic sleep debt. Darkness at night is also critical to a healthy sleep–wake cycle.

2. Improves Mood

Did you know that there is a type of depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder? SAD affects many people in the winter when they do not receive enough sunlight. Scientists believe that the “happy” hormone called serotonin increases when nights are short and days are long. Psychiatrists recommend that people get out in the sunlight for at least 30 minutes a day to help prevent or treat depression. Because we are genetically programmed to find trees, plants, water, and other nature elements engrossing, we are absorbed by nature scenes and distracted from our pain and discomfort. Being in nature, or even viewing scenes of nature, reduces anger, fear, and stress and increases pleasant feelings.

3. Disinfects Naturally

Natural lighting will reduce the production of harmful bacteria and organisms that can grow in any house. Sunlight is recognized as a natural disinfectant. Ultraviolet rays in the sun are naturally antiseptic.

4. Aids in Eye Development Natural light has been shown to lower the risk of nearsightedness in children and young adults by helping the eye produce dopamine, which aids in healthy eye development.

5. Increases Productivity

Scientists at the Lighting Research Center (LRC), in Troy, N.Y. have reported that daylit environments increase occupant productivity and comfort, and provide the mental and visual stimulation necessary to regulate human circadian rhythms.

6. Aids in Healing

•Increase in vitamins B and D •Sunlight stimulates appetite and improves digestion. •Sunlight improves circulation. •Natural sun increases red blood cells. •Sunlight boosts your immune system. •Natural light boosts white blood cell counts. •Natural light increases endorphins and serotonin. •Sunlight helps to balance the body’s hormones. •Natural sun boosts energy and strengthens organs.