There are reasons we’re drawn to natural light. From health benefits to asset gains, exposure to daylight can bring numerous perks to the places we live, work, and play.
“Time and time again, studies show that exposure to natural light has a tangible, positive impact on our quality of life,” says Marco Ferrazzo, Manager with Artistic Skylights. “And since many of us spend a lot of time indoors throughout the day, there’s always a desire to bring the outside in.”
Certainly, the advantages of daylight can add up. Here are a few reasons to consider making natural light a feature in your environment.
- Vitamin D-ependent: Sunlight is well known to boost the body’s storage of Vitamin D, an essential micronutrient used to absorb calcium, strengthen bones, and regulate critical body systems (among other functions). Reversely, a lack of Vitamin D has been linked to health issues (e.g., cancer, depression, heart disease).
- Natural immunity: T-cells are central to a healthy immune system. And in addition to its many other benefits, Vitamin D is said to help “energize” the body’s production of this key element.
- Sleep tight: Light has been proven to help people regulate their biological clock and, in so doing, wake up and fall asleep when they need to. Interestingly, exposure to light throughout the day also contributes to a good night’s sleep, while a lack of light can play havoc with one’s biological clock and contribute to poor sleeping habits.
- Lighten the mood: Sunlight is said to promote the brain’s production of serotonin, a hormone which helps us achieve a calmer and more uplifting state of mind. As such, exposure to daylight at home or the office can balance out the stresses and anxieties of the day and address common ailments such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
- Sharper focus: Feeling sleepy? In a mood? Trouble concentrating? Research shows that light plays a profound effect on our mental health. Specifically, natural light makes us less tired, more alert, more productive – all of which adds up to a better overall mood.
- Taking the pressure off: Studies on the impact of natural light on the human body indicate that it can reduce blood pressure by transferring nitric oxide (NO) to our circulatory systems. In a recent paper by the University of Southampton in the US, for example, Martin Feelisch, Professor of Experimental Medicine and Integrative Biology at the University of Southampton explains, “NO, along with its breakdown products, known to be abundant in skin, is involved in the regulation of blood pressure. When exposed to sunlight, small amounts of NO are transferred from the skin to the circulation, lowering blood vessel tone; as blood pressure drops, so does the risk of heart attack and stroke.”
- Healthier vision: While looking directly into the sun is big “no-go,” studies indicate that consistent exposure to natural light can lead the healthy development and maintenance of our eyes.
The benefits of natural light extend beyond health and wellness. Homes and buildings that incorporate natural light are more appealing to would-be renters or buyers, while natural light can be used to save energy and take the load off of HVAC systems. This in mind, making the effort to bring outdoor illumination into an environment contributes to the long-lasting health of both assets and their occupants.
Discover the benefits of natural light for yourself. Learn about the latest skylight designs and materials for home, office, or industrial properties by visiting Artistic Skylights.
