Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Let the sun shine in! Aka, why light is good for you.


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.