COGNITIVE WINDOW 1: We often write here about the importance of getting enough good quality light for our health. Let’s take a little deeper look today at LIGHT AND HOPE.
How does light affect our mood?
- Circadian rhythm: Light ‘adjusts’ our internal clock, the so-called circadian rhythm. The rhythm regulates our sleep, activity, alertness and vitality. Getting plenty of good light during the day helps keep the rhythm in balance, and we feel good.
- Production of hormones/neurotransmitters: Exposure to daylight affects the production of hormones, especially serotonin, often referred to as the happiness or motivation hormone. Serotonin is a natural stimulant and plays an important role in mood regulation. A lack of it can lead to depression. Light also affects the levels of other neurotransmitters (= excitatory transmitters) such as dopamine and noradrenaline, which are associated with feelings of reward and alertness.
How does the lack of light affect our mood?
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): In the winter months, a period of natural light falloff, some people feel tired, sad, disinterested and unmotivated. Phototherapy (= exposure to bright light containing circadian azure energy) is one of the most effective treatments for this disorder.
- Depression: Even in other types of depression, lack of light can be a contributing factor. Here too, increased light (solar or biodynamic) will help.
- Sleep disorders: Light plays a key role in regulating sleep. For a good night’s sleep we not only need enough darkness at night, but also enough good quality light during the day. We will deal with this mechanism in one of our upcoming windows.
- Total comfort: I’m sure you know this yourself – plenty of light improves our mood, boosts our energy and motivation, and generally helps us feel better.
How can we use light to improve our mood?
- Spend time outdoors: Try to spend as much time as possible outdoors in daylight. At least 20 minutes of light in one go should be the daily minimum.
- Use light therapy: Phototherapy devices such as light boxes, lamps, chambers, etc., can be particularly useful in the winter months.
- Increase the amount of daylight indoors: Let the light into your home and office! Open the curtains, pull the blinds, move your desk as close to the window as possible.
- Indoors, use artificial light as close to natural light as possible – in spectral composition, colour, intensity and angle of distribution.
Need more information? Check out www.spectrasol.eu!
