While many people are well aware of the dangers of too much sun, not everyone is aware of the benefits of sunlight. In fact, relishing a bit of daylight can make a big difference in how people feel, think, and perform.
Sunlight provides nutrition for human beings. Natural light
helps to produce Vitamin C, as well as Vitamin D. Vitamin D is an essential
vitamin that helps alleviate depression, aids in the absorption of other
vitamins and minerals, and may help minimize the chances of developing several
types of cancer. People who tend to stay indoors and out of the sun may develop
fatigue, depression, headaches, and even seasonal affective disorder. Just fifteen
or twenty minutes spent in natural light each day can make a huge difference.
Studies have shown that people who are able to work near
windows or in spaces equipped with a skylight tend to be less prone to negative
emotions, are able to focus on tasks with greater ease, and in general are more
productive and happy with their work.
Why does light have such a huge effect on us? It has to do
with our circadian rhythms. Circadian rhythms are biological, mental and behavioral
changes that follow a 24-hour cycle and respond to light and
darkness within an organism’s environment. Circadian rhythms are found in
almost every living thing, human beings, animals, plants and even tiny
microbes.
Circadian rhythms are produced by natural factors within the
body, but they are affected by signals from the environment. Light is the main
cue influencing circadian rhythms. Exposure to light turns the genes that control our
internal clocks "on" and "off." Our brains receive
information about light through the retina. The retina contains photoreceptors that
are used for vision, but also contains specialized cells that are
photosensitive and project directly to the brain where they guide our master
circadian clock to synchronize biological rhythms.
Circadian rhythms dictate sleep-wake cycles, hormone
release, body temperature and other important bodily functions. Abnormal
circadian rhythms are directly linked to sleep disorders, obesity,
diabetes, depression,
bipolar disorder
and seasonal
affective disorder.
Bottom line? Sufficient exposure to light – natural daylight if possible – will help you sleep better, feel better and perform better at work!
Virginia Homes has been building new homes in Central Ohio for 60 years. Visit www.Virginia-Homes.com for more information or call (614) 764-1953.
