Why windows matter: the health benefits of natural light
Windows aren't just functional – they also let in natural light, which has a range of health benefits. Find out why windows matter in our article.
Windows are more than just aesthetically pleasing. They can actually have health benefits too. Don't believe us? Let's take a look…
It's often said that eyes are the windows to the soul. If you want to know if someone is upset, lying or angry, you can sometimes tell by looking at their eyes.
But if eyes are the
windows to the soul, what if our soul is feeling a bit low? Could windows themselves hold the key?
Light: nature's doctor
If you're online or on the high street shopping for windows, you're probably asking yourself questions like: what colour should the frame be? Do I want double or triple glazing? How about frosted glass?
But the thing is that windows are more than just a face-lift for your home. They also fill it with light – and light in the home can improve your health and lift your mood. Truly, they're the unsung heroes of our homes.
Windows are a gateway to Mother Nature's wellness centre. When natural light flows into our living spaces it can boost our happiness and make us more productive. Just think about starting the day in the dark of winter as opposed to a bright summer morning. Why is it that the one can be so much more enjoyable than the other?
It's not just mood-altering – it's also vital for the production of vitamin D. When your skin is exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from sunlight, it initiates a chemical reaction in the skin. UVB rays have just the right amount of energy to form vitamin D in our bodies.
Vitamin D is essential for several bodily functions and for maintaining strong bones and teeth. It also plays a role in our immune systems, cell growth and neuromuscular function.
Now it's important to note here that UVB rays are usually blocked by ordinary glass windows. If you're behind glass, you won't receive the necessary UVB exposure for vitamin D synthesis. So when the sun's shining, throw those windows wide to let the UVB rays in.
Bi-folding doors can also be an excellent way to allow oodles of precious rays into your home.
But what if it's freezing outside and the very thought of opening the windows gives you a shiver? Well, natural light can have a significant impact on our mental health, even if it is coming through glass.
Exposure to natural light helps regulate our circadian rhythms, enhancing mood, sleep patterns, and overall well-being. Sunlight stimulates the production of serotonin, which is associated with happiness and reduced stress. It also prompts the release of melatonin which helps you get to sleep.
Serotonin and melatonin levels have come to the fore in recent years as more people have become aware of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This can affect people when they get insufficient light exposure and typically strikes during the winter months as the days draw in.
While the exact causes of SAD are not fully understood, the theory is that a lack of sunlight might stop a part of the brain that produces serotonin and melatonin. Natural light is needed for your body to time various functions such as when to wake up or when to go to sleep.
Lower levels of sunlight can affect our body's natural ability to discern these times of the day. Having plenty of windows to provide that much-needed natural light all year round – but especially in winter – can really help our mood.
Is light a disinfectant?
Researchers from the University of Oregon recently demonstrated that sunlight can help kill harmful bacteria.
The researchers collected regular dust from homes and constructed an experiment which replicated natural environments in the home under glass. Remarkably, the dust which had been exposed to natural light had less than half the bacteria than the dust which had been left in darkness.
It might come as a surprise that natural sunlight is such an effective antibacterial agent because most window glass filters out UV light, the element of sunlight that's fatal to bacteria. Sunlight, then, can kill bacteria even when filtered through glass.
Can natural light boost your productivity?
Research published by
Eco-Business claimed that workplaces with sufficient daylight saw an uplift of between 5 and 40% in productivity and sales. Studies in schools have similarly suggested that pupils retain information far better if regularly taught in classrooms with plenty of windows.
The playwright George Bernard Shaw went so far as to build a rotating writing shed. As the day progressed, he would rotate the hut in order to get maximum sunlight. In 1929, posed in front of his invention for
Modern Mechanics and Inventions
magazine, extolling the healing properties of sunlight.
Houseplants
Something else that loves the natural sunlight is your plants – and plants themselves are said to be good for you.
First, indoor plants act as natural air fresheners. Through a process called photosynthesis, they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. This can enhance the air quality in your home.
Indoor plants can also have a calming and stress-reducing effect on your mental health. Research has shown that being around plants can lower stress levels, reduce anxiety and promote a sense of well-being. As any green-fingered friend will tell you, caring for plants can be both meditative and rewarding.
Finally, indoor plants can help increase the humidity levels in your home, which can be beneficial in dry climates – and can also help prevent dry skin, irritated eyes and respiratory issues.
Conclusion
Windows are so much more than functional and beautiful. They also fill your house with light – something that can be good for your mood, your health and your houseplants.
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