Although necessary, artificial lighting has lost its popularity. Nowadays, people are more drawn toward natural lighting for various reasons.
For one, natural lighting can reduce energy use at home because it brightens up the space. You’re not using electricity to remove shadows in your living, dining, or bedroom during the day.
Houses that get lots of natural lighting also reduce their heating expenditures. The sunlight that comes from the window warm contributes to a warmer room. Homeowners can speak to local window installers for the most energy-efficient windows.
Moreover, houses that get natural light are more visually-pleasing. There is nothing more beautiful than the natural lighting that flows into your home. It influences the colors of your home’s interior, like artwork and furniture. It also makes the room look more open and spacious because it eliminates shadows.
There are many benefits to having lots of natural light at home for overall health. Here are a few.
More Awake and Productive During the Day
Natural beams of lights wake you up and make it easier to get going each morning. They also help you stay focused during the day. Without them, your room may look a bit gloomy and harder to concentrate on work.
Imagine working or studying with just the glow from your computer screen for hours. Natural light provides an energy boost that artificial lighting doesn’t give off. You become more productive as a result. It’s better than coffee because it jolts you awake without the caffeine.
A More Peaceful Sleep at Night
Light at night can affect your circadian rhythm, which is the internal clock that controls sleep. Exposure to this type of light delays the production of melatonin, a chemical that makes you feel sleepy. The more lights in your bedroom the harder it becomes for you to fall asleep.
However, when you’re exposed to natural light during the day, your internal clock is reset. It starts to realize that, because of the presence of natural light, it’s daytime and you should be awake. By nighttime, the absence of natural light will signal your body that it’s time to sleep. As a result, you will drift off to sleep faster and get the recommended eight hours of uninterrupted shuteye.
Enjoy Better Moods and Less Stress
Sunlight releases serotonin in our brains which boosts our moods and reduces stress levels. When people take them under direct sunlight, their depressive symptoms are reduced after time passes by because of its uplifting effect on their moods.
On days when they don’t get enough sunlight, the feelings of depression and anxiety return. Moreover, it’s estimated that a significant percentage of people with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) feel better after they’re exposed to natural light for a few months.
It also has relaxing effects on the body and mind. Try sitting in your living room, where there’s natural light, after a long day at school or office. This is one of the best ways to calm your brain and ease your muscles.
Reduce the Health Risks from Fluorescent Light
Artificial sources of light are bad for the body. Fluorescent light has been linked to a variety of health threats including headaches, eye strain, eye damage, cancer, and depression. Office workers who spend the majority of their time in artificially-lit rooms are more prone to various health problems.
Therefore, if you want to lower your risk of getting such diseases and disorders, you should reduce the amount of time you spend in fluorescent-lit rooms whenever possible. Increase natural lighting instead and take a break under sunlight every once in a while.
Maintain Better Health with Natural Light Sources
Vitamin D is a nutrient that is important for the body because it contributes to the production of different hormones. It’s necessary for your immune system, teeth, bones, and more.
Vitamin D is generated inside our bodies when exposed to sunlight because it stimulates the skin cells to produce cholesterol which helps us absorb this nutrient. There are a few food sources for vitamin D, but a few minutes of exposure to natural light should be enough to give you the dose you need for the day.
Without vitamin D, your body may suffer from illnesses like osteoporosis, rickets (a softening of the bones that cause them to become deformed), and some cancers.
Overall, natural light sources have a number of benefits that we haven’t mentioned on this list. If your house doesn’t get enough natural lighting or has poor insulation, call local window installers and ask them about how their products can help improve your home’s energy efficiency and appearance.