Amazing Physiological Benefits of Daylight

Natural light is a vital component of our overall health and well-being. Integrating rooflights into building designs allows you to benefit from the full spectrum of light that natural daylight delivers. Incorporating natural light into our daily routines and indoor environments is essential for our physiological health and has a profound impact on our overall well-being.

Boosts your Immune System: Natural light exposure can strengthen the immune system by stimulating the production of vitamin D. Adequate levels of vitamin D are associated with a reduced risk of illnesses and infections, contributing to overall health.

Regulates your Metabolism: Natural light exposure influence the production of hormones like cortisol and melatonin. Proper regulation of these hormones supports a healthy metabolism, aiding in weight management and reducing the risk of metabolic disorders such as diabetes.

Reduces Inflammation: Natural light exposure can help reduce systemic inflammation, which is linked to various chronic conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, and certain cancers [2]. The anti-inflammatory effects of sunlight contribute to overall health and well-being.

Improves your Vision: Natural light reduces the risk of developing myopia (short-sightedness) and helps prevent digital eye strain. Spending time in natural light also enhances visual comfort and clarity, supporting long-term eye health.

Optimises your Sleep Patterns: Exposure to natural light during the day helps regulate the circadian rhythm, leading to better sleep patterns. Morning light exposure sets the body’s internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep at night and wake up feeling refreshed. Improved sleep quality leads to numerous health benefits, including better mental and physical performance.

Increases Physical Activity: Natural light-filled environments encourage outdoor activities and physical exercise. Regular physical activity reduces the risk of chronic diseases, and improves cardiovascular fitness and muscular strength [1].

Incorporating more natural light into our lives is a simple yet powerful way to enhance our physiological health. By spending more time outdoors and designing indoor spaces that maximise daylight exposure and spending more time outdoors, we can tap into the myriad benefits that natural light offers. Embracing natural light not only supports our physical health and well-being but also enriches our quality of life.

[1] Sunlight exposure and cardiovascular risk factors in the REGARDS study: a cross-sectional split-sample analysis – PMC (nih.gov)

[2] Sunlight and mortality from breast, ovarian, colon, prostate, and non-melanoma skin cancer: a composite death certificate based case-control study – PMC (nih.gov)