A recent survey showed that 26% of people picked natural light as the ‘must have’ feature for a family home. Research has also shown that sunlight in the home is incredibly beneficial to us and even if we can’t put our finger on why, most of us have a sense that it’s always good to get a healthy dose of sunlight. It’s nice to go outside on a sunny day or to bask in some rays streaming through your windows while sitting in your home, and nice sunny days just make us feel better than dismal cloudy ones.
Natural light improves health
Natural light reduces the production of harmful bacteria that grow in our homes as sunlight is a natural disinfectant. Exposure to sunlight boosts our body’s creation of Vitamins B&D, promoting bone growth (helping prevent osteoporosis in later years). We all know that being in sunlight puts us in a good mood, promotes calmness (thanks to the Serotonin that gets produced), and gives us a healthy glow.
Research shows that sunlight alters levels of the small messenger molecule, nitric oxide in the skin and blood, which reduces blood pressure. Exposure to sunlight triggers small amounts of this molecule to transfer from the skin to the circulatory system, lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Although scientists are still discovering the full extent of the benefits sunlight provides (improving digestion & circulation, boosting our immune system and helping us sleep better at night, are just a few more), there can be no doubt that having more natural light in your home is great for your health.
Natural light makes us more productive
Whether it’s cleaning your home, making a delicious lunch or working in your home office, having a sunlit window nearby will help you work harder & happier. It won’t come as any surprise that sunlight makes us more productive and helps our short term cognitive memory (as opposed to those working in dank, dark rooms). Sunshine turns our day from bleak to a day of optimism and productivity increases with the natural energy.
Skewed sleep rhythms affect our productivity and this is caused by too much time being indoors. Artificial lighting affects our bodies’ production of melatonin, the chemical that influences our sleep. Living in a home with plenty of natural light is a way to keep your schedule on track.
Have you ever walked into a room and thought ‘Wow, what a wonderful space this is and I enjoy being in it?’ Chances are, it’s because of lots of natural light. While the focus is usually on the energy-saving benefits of double glazing and uPVC windows, above are only a few of the health benefits, so it’s easy to see why you should aim for more natural light in your home.
Progress Windows in Hinckley have a wide range of colours and designs, from uPVC Bay windows to Bi-Fold doors to help you give your home that ‘Wow’ factor. Give one of our designers a call today on 01455 632731 or use our quick and easy, no-obligation, online quoting system.