Everyone knows that living in the dark is not good for you. Without daylight, we get tired, gloomy and lose our biorhythms. But did you know that daylight actually has a huge positive impact on our health? It helps our bodies function properly and contributes to an energetic and happy life.
How important is daylight?
Daylight is essential for our health. It helps our bodies make vitamin D, supports a healthy sleep-wake rhythm and improves our mood. People who do not see enough daylight can suffer from seasonal depression (SAD), sleep problems and even a weakened immune system.
In addition, daylight helps us to be more productive and alert. Office spaces with plenty of natural light lead to better performance and less employee fatigue. This is why modern architecture increasingly takes into account maximising daylighting.
Daylight also plays a role in regulating our blood pressure and metabolism. Studies show that people who get regular daylight have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and obesity.
The disadvantages of too little daylight
Living in the dark or too little exposure to daylight can have serious consequences. Our biorhythms get disrupted, making us tired and lethargic. A lack of daylight can also affect our mental health. The body produces less serotonin, which can lead to mood swings and a greater risk of depression.
In addition, the immune system benefits from daylight. People who are outdoors more often generally have better resistance to disease. Our eyesight also benefits from natural light: it prevents eye strain and reduces the risk of myopia.
Another disadvantage of too little daylight is an increased risk of osteoporosis, as vitamin D deficiency weakens bones. A lack of daylight can also contribute to concentration problems and a decline in cognitive functions, which is especially prevalent in the elderly.
The benefits of sufficient daylight
- Besides preventing the above disadvantages, daylight has other benefits:
- Improved sleep quality: Daylight helps maintain our natural rhythms, allowing us to sleep better and deeper at night.
- Higher energy levels: sunlight stimulates the production of serotonin, which makes us more energetic and alert.
- Better mood and less stress: Exposure to natural light can reduce stress and promote feelings of happiness and well-being.
- Faster healing: Patients in hospitals often recover faster when they have a room with plenty of daylight.
The right balance
To stay healthy, it is important to get enough daylight. This can be done by going outside daily, setting up a workspace near a window or using a daylight lamp in the dark months. Especially in winter, when days are shorter, it is extra important to seek out as much natural light as possible.
In the evening, it is smart to dim artificial light and limit screen time so that your body can prepare for a good night's sleep. This way, you enjoy the benefits of daylight during the day and give your body the rest it needs in the evening.
Daylight is indispensable for a healthy and happy life. So go outside, create more light inside too and enjoy the positive effects it has on your body and mind!
