As early as our elementary school years, we begin learning that all living things need sunlight to survive. Though most of us would love to spend our days basking in the sun’s glow, we don’t get that opportunity very often. Between work and taking care of responsibilities at home, we’re confined to the indoors most of the time. On top of that, going outside on frigid days or in the midst of summer’s scorching heat isn’t exactly an appealing concept. This deprives us of the glorious rays we so desperately need for optimal well-being.
Having the Best of Both Worlds
Many people fail to realize that we can enjoy many of the sun’s benefits without actually going outside. Metro Places and other associations can offer assistance with finding a home that offers ample natural lighting so you can soak in the sun even while you’re inside. Having as much natural sunlight in your home as possible provides quite a few benefits when it comes to staying healthy.
1) Improved Sleep
Bright morning sunshine glaring through the bedroom window is a wake-up call for most people whether they want it or not. Because of this, it may be hard to believe that the sun could improve sleep. Studies show that routine exposure to natural sunlight actually helps regulate your circadian rhythm. In turn, it can give you a better night’s sleep. Spending your days in the dark or surrounded by artificial light generally has the opposite effect.
2) Anxiety Relief
Reports indicate that at least 40 million Americans suffer from anxiety. While treatments like therapy sessions and anti-anxiety medications go a long way toward reducing the symptoms and severity of this condition, natural light may also be an important part of the process. Half an hour of sunlight each morning can spark a chemical reaction in the brain that makes it better able to cope with anxiety and stressors throughout the day.
3) Lower Blood Pressure
Exposure to natural light causes nitric oxide in the skin to permeate the blood vessels. In turn, this gas improves the strength and elasticity of blood vessels. This reaction aids in lowering blood pressure as well as the risk of developing certain health issues high blood pressure is known to cause, such as stroke and heart attack.
4) Strong Bones and Teeth
You may be raising an eyebrow at this point. After all, adequate calcium intake is the key to strong teeth and bones, and the sunlight has nothing to do with calcium intake. While it’s true that we get our calcium from dairy products and certain other foods and beverages, we need ample amounts of vitamin D to absorb this vital mineral properly. Our bodies can’t produce vitamin D without sunlight.
5) Strengthened Immunity
We need strong immune systems to fight off all the viruses and bacteria we’re exposed to on a daily basis. You’re probably aware that vitamin C plays a crucial role in immunity, but recent studies show that vitamin D is a critical component of the process as well. Again, we need sunlight to produce the vitamin D that reinforces the body’s natural defenses.
6) Elevated Mood
Sunlight has several Mental Health Benefits, the primary one being that it ramps up the brain’s serotonin production. Serotonin is known as the feel-good hormone because it improves our moods and makes us feel happy. Incidentally, this hormone is important for several other reasons as well, such as improved digestion and better sleeping habits. It also plays a vital role in bone health and wound healing.
7) Thwarts SAD
At least 20 percent of people in America suffer from a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. This condition is believed to be brought on by the darker days of fall and winter when most people don’t get the vitamin D they need. Fewer hours of daylight can certainly have a negative impact on many people’s states of mind. Having plenty of natural light coming into your home may help ward off SAD.
8) Healthy Eyes
It’s no secret that artificial light, especially that produced by computer screens, phones, and other devices, causes certain problems. It increases eye strain, can lead to declining vision, and may bring about headaches, to name a few issues. Natural sunlight combats those effects and aids in healthy eye development among children.
9) Improved Skin
Spending a great deal of time in direct sunlight can lead to sunburn and various types of skin cancer, but indirect sunlight may strengthen the skin. Bringing natural light into your home could help reduce the severity of common skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
10) Weight Loss
Some research indicates that natural light may aid in weight loss. It seems to be particularly effective between 8 A.M. and noon according to researchers. Though the reason for this effect is still a bit unclear, some experts believe sunlight may shrink fat cells beneath the surface of the skin. Bright, cheery sunshine also seems to be energizing, so it could prompt you to get more exercise.
11) Heightened Productivity
We’ve already mentioned that the sun can improve immunity, mood, energy levels, and sleep patterns while reducing anxiety. All this is sure to lead to greater productivity. Whether you work from home or simply have a lot of housework that needs to be done, natural light may facilitate the process.
12) Reduced Energy Bills
All the other points we’ve covered revolve around physical and emotional well-being. Having plenty of sunlight coming into your home also means you won’t need to use as much artificial lighting during the day. Because of that, you’ll consume less energy. The resulting lower electrical bills could actually lead to reduced stress.
In a Nutshell
Sunlight is vital to survival. Plants need it to perform photosynthesis and produce the oxygen we need to breathe. We need sunlight to keep us healthy in several ways. Though most of us don’t get to spend time outside quite as often as we’d like, you may be able to reap the sun’s benefits without venturing outdoors. Having a home with ample natural lighting could improve your physical health and overall outlook on life from many angles.
