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Natural light - why it is best

By Graham Baylis

Republish: EasyPublish™
Published: 12Nov2009
Word count: 511
Viewed: 364 time(s)

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There is nothing like natural light, particularly sunlight. It makes us feel good because it stimulates particular areas of the brain where certain chemicals and hormones are released. Here in the United Kingdom many people suffer from seasonal affective disorder or SAD which is caused by the reduction of those particular hormones and chemicals in the brain. This is caused by reduced daylight hours during the winter months and symptoms peak during December, January and February. These people become depressed, lethargic, have sleep problems and suffer many other unpleasant symptoms.

Light Therapy and SAD

Many of these people use light therapy, where they use special light boxes and even light bulbs which mimic daylight. These types of therapy can help alleviate symptoms to varying degrees. However, there is nothing like the real thing and a good suggestion is to have some skylights installed in your home. These will increase the amount of natural light which enters the home particularly during the winter. The levels of light can be controlled by using blinds or curtains during the summer months when there is a surplus of natural light.

Daylight Lighting is Best

Using daylight lighting in your home can enhance it greatly by careful use of windows, skylights, wall paint or paper, blinds, curtains and so on. The rooms can be made to look bigger and brighter by the way you use décor and the use of different types of skylight. Light can be made less bright during summer months by using things like blinds, curtains or a plain fine mesh net curtain. This will still allow all that beautiful light in to your home but without any glare. If you are not lucky enough to have large windows to allow in day light, skylights can really transform your home and as well as providing extra natural light, other benefits include a good view of the night sky, which can be magnificent on a clear night.

Health & Well-being Promoted by Natural Light

The main benefit of natural light is health and well being. The body's internal rhythms are affected by the amount of day light received and it does not take a lot to disrupt those rhythms. Getting plenty of natural light enhances our performance and mood. We are generally happier when we are exposed to plenty of natural light and of course sunlight contributes towards our daily intake of vitamin D. Enhancing our homes with plants also contributes to our well being and of course those plants need natural light in order to thrive. So when planning a home, take into account the way in which light comes into it or if it is limited consider how you might improve the amounts of light which are available. Another benefit of using the free resource of natural day light is that you will also decrease your energy bills as you will not need to use so much artificial lighting for your daily needs. Of course this is the greenest and most renewable source of lighting available as it is completely renewable!

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