Natural Light: Exploring our Options

My general health article for November explores the disinfection abilities of UV-C light technology. During my research into this science, I thought about other related topics like full-spectrum lighting for both vision and mood balance. Therefore, my blog this month will focus on the potential benefits of natural light therapy.

Let There Be Light

I live in a community with a population of approximately 20,000 people. The power grid in the area usually overloads several times a month. Sometimes the blackouts last a few minutes, and on other occasions, hours. I suspect most people give very little thought to how dependent we are on light energy until one experiences a community-wide blackout.

Melatonin

Ok, so we know that light is important—how else are we to see in the dark?

Light has many other benefits, one of which is to help regulate our daily biorhythms. Darkness stimulates the pineal gland in the brain to produce the hormone melatonin. This hormone plays an important role in regulating our circadian rhythm.

Our internal body clock controls how much melatonin is necessary. During the day (light), the hormone is suppressed. Conversely, production and secretion begin in the early evening, peak in the middle of the night, and drop off by the morning, so the cycle can start all over again.

People who have sleep-related issues can benefit from melatonin supplements, change in sleep regimen, and possibly the use of phototherapy.

Light Therapy (Phototherapy)

Light therapy is used to treat a variety of conditions—most notably, sleep disorders.

The process is relatively simply: expose the client to a light box, which contains an artificial light that emits a rather bright light made to duplicate natural (outdoor) light.

In addition to treating varying levels of sleep disorders, therapeutic benefits of phototherapy have been found to treat a variety of other conditions:

• Circadian rhythm disorders (CRD)

• Insomnia (not related to CRD)

• Neonatal jaundice

• Skin problems like eczema and psoriasis

• Seasonal depression or seasonal affect disorder (SAD)

Researchers at the Lighting Research Center are finding a strong correlation between exposure to natural sunlight and improved health.

Health Benefits of Light

The health benefits of phototherapy are significant and have been used in hospitals for decades.

About 50% of newborns are found to have an increased amount of circulating bilirubin, a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown. Normally the liver takes care of this excess bilirubin, but in newborns, the liver is immature and it takes a little while for it to function optimally. Hospitals use a special light that mimics the natural effects of the sun. This natural light triggers the breakdown of bilirubin quicker than waiting for the liver to kick in.

Natural Light to Improve Vision

There are significant numbers of people who refuse to drive at night because of poor night vision. However, studies have shown that the ability to see at night (driving) is related to the light source being utilized.

Lighting devices have long been designed based on the feedback obtained from the standard photometry system. This system was developed based on daytime visual parameters and is therefore a poor indicator of nighttime vision needs.

The use of poorly designed artificial lighting has been found to affect vision, adversely resulting in:

• Glare

• Eye strain

• Headaches

• Eye fatigue

Natural Light Products

The benefits of natural light are plentiful—just look at how a beautiful sunny day can get us to “take it outside!” People have reported actually feeling better when entering a room surrounded by natural light.

The draw towards natural light products has resulted in a multi-million dollar industry. Products range from large picture windows and sunroofs to a variety of light boxes, all of which are designed for the home, work, and school. All you have to do is a search of natural light products and the result will be plentiful.

Seeing the Light

In conclusion, the use of natural light boxes is being used in hospitals and homes around the country as a means to improve our health and well-being.

If you suffer from any of the medical conditions listed in this article, you might want to discuss, with your doctor, how these devices might work for you.