The Health Benefits of Natural Light

The increasing interest in daylighting systems is a welcome one in terms of our increased well-being. The human body has evolved over hundreds of thousands of years to be the dominant species on the planet. During that time, we have adapted to nature because of which we have certain functioning imperatives which are essential to our continued functioning. Among these is the fact that we are creatures of the light – we are by nature and evolution more active and productive during the daylight hours and slow down once it becomes dark. 

The world we live in today requires most of us to spend a great deal of the daytime indoors, away from the natural light we need. Artificial lighting has been a blessing as it allows us to continue to function when sunlight is not available or is in inadequate quantities. However, artificial light does not provide our bodies and minds with the nutrition and stimulation it needs to perform at its best. Daylighting systems do.

What Daylight Does

• It is common knowledge that sunlight is our basic source of vitamin D. But why is it important, and why do we need it? Vitamin D is essential to the development and maintenance of strong bones. Without strong bones, our skeletal system deteriorates and becomes weak, leaving us sickly and prone to various serious medical ailments. Some foods give us some vitamin D and vitamin supplements are available, but these cannot replace sunlight which not only gives us the vitamin but also helps the body to produce its own.

• Being productive, in any form, at almost any age, adds value to life and increases our sense of well-being. Sunlight makes us creative and productive. You cannot spend 10 minutes in sunlight and then be productive for the next few hours – it's not like having a cup of coffee. The longer the exposure to daylight over the day, the better in terms of making us more energetic and productive.

• Daylight gives us a psychological boost. When deprived of sunlight for long periods, we tend to become depressed and anxious. Although the effect is greatest on dark rainy/snowy winter days, the lack of sunlight impacts us throughout the year. This is a recognized medical condition call Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

• Our bodies have an internal clock that regulates how our metabolism functions. The clock controls everything from our ability to digest food to cell regeneration. This is known as the circadian rhythm. It is daylight that sets the time our bodies function, so the more daylight, the better.

The Daylighting Solution

A daylighting system will collect natural sunlight from the roof of your home and carry it through the building, to even the most interior areas. It will fill the room with sunlight that your family needs to stay healthy and productive. These systems are easy to install, cause no structural damage, are maintenance-free, and, since no power is consumed, have no running cost. The light is diffused in indoor spaces using elegant light fixtures that enhance the look of the home. And being ecologically and environmentally friendly, you are entitled to federal tax credits when you purchase one. 

All you need to do to learn more about Solatube installation is to contact the Premier Dealer for your area and ask for a free in-house or virtual consultation so you have all the information you need to make an informed decision on bringing more daylight into your home.