Natural light as a fundamental factor for greater quality of life
Modern life makes us spend most of our time inside closed spaces of our home or workplace. It is precisely for this reason that connecting with the environment and nature in any format is essential. However, three fundamental things define the entire experience of merging with the environment: the view, fresh air and natural light. The feeling we get from opening the window in the early hours of the morning awakens our entire being in a completely different way.
A space that is difficult to ventilate, whose view through the window looks at a wall or which simply does not get enough sunlight – brings with it bad conditions and quality of life, moreover, it often causes depression and anxiety in people.
As all three mentioned factors depend on the openings of the building, i.e. windows and other balcony openings, we can say that the definitive important decision when creating a quality life inside any residential building are carefully designed openings that are directly related primarily to the creation of an efficient and maximally necessary influx of natural light – fresh air and a nice view are side products of that design process.
A healthy way of building and living
Increasing attention is being paid to the construction of buildings that will provide a healthier and better quality of life. The amount of natural light plays a very important role in the constructing healthy buildings, considering that it directly affects the physical, psychological, emotional and health conditions of the people who live inside the building.
A small amount of natural light often brings with it a weaker flow of air inside the rooms. In such darker spaces, moisture and odors can appear, which, in addition to making the space less attractive to stay in, can also lead to the development of health issues.
When a room receives little or no sunlight in some cases, it has a direct negative effect on the people who live in it for a long period of time. Natural light thus increasingly represents an important economic factor when placing real estate on the market as well as determining its value.
So what are the reasons why an abundant amount of sunlight is important?
Natural light contributes to health
Natural light increases the level of vitamin D in our body, which directly improves our immune system and its ability to fight pathogens. Vitamin D activates the so-called white blood T (eng. thymus) cells of the immune system, which find and kill bacteria and viruses.
In addition, vitamin D affects over 200 genes within our body, bones, cardiovascular system, muscles, brain, etc. Indeed, vitamin D is an impeccably essential element of our lives, and it comes to us for free directly from the Sun’s rays.
That is why it is extremely important to have a good amount of natural light inside the rooms where we live and work in order to ensure a good daily dose of vitamin D.
Certain studies also show that natural light leads to better body regulation, i.e. reduction of blood pressure, as well as circulation, digestion, appetite and overall hormonal balance within our body.
Greenery inside the home needs sunlight
Sunlight is, of course, very necessary for plants inside the premises of the facility. While some species need a smaller amount, others require several hours of continuous access to the sun’s rays. A quality designed facility will enable a healthier level of greenery inside.
Carefully plan where and how to place certain types of plants in order to provide them with enough light and a healthy way to grow. They will reward you with air detoxification and a better mood!
Natural light regulates the circadian biorhythm
Man is closely tied to the natural biorhythm that exists around him. However, modern life and technology bring with them economic systems that require round-the-clock maintenance and work within certain industries, which disrupts the natural circadian rhythm at the hormonal level. Namely, the lack of sunlight causes an irregular production of melatonin, which is responsible for regulating sleep and fatigue.
However, such a disorder can also occur if we live in poorly lit rooms that do not receive enough natural light. Sleep disorders and body exhaustion occur.
A good amount of light in important hours of the day, before going to bed and after waking up, greatly corrects and controls the circadian rhythm of sleeping and waking up and can contribute to longer uninterrupted sleep and better rest.
Natural light promotes better physical and mental ability
It enables better productivity and mental abilities
Natural light has a positive effect on a person’s mood, health and biorhythm. We should not be surprised that an individual will be more productive and capable if his overall psychophysical condition and health are better. A proper circadian biorhythm and quality amount of sleep will result in a greater amount of energy during the working hours of the day.
It is recommended to make the rooms where most of the work is going to happen well lit and improved in every possible way for better air circulation and light reflection.
A greater amount of natural light will not only help in terms of better productivity, but also during educational programs in schools and colleges, faster recovery of patients in hospitals, as well as better concentration in all work-related and intellectual activities.
A high-quality amount of natural light reduces seasonal depression
Seasonal depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder) is a type of depression that occurs when the seasons change, and most people are affected during autumn and winter. It is most often associated with a disturbed circadian rhythm and hormones closely related to natural light: dopamine, serotonin and endorphin.
Good ventilation of the premises should always be accompanied by letting in and regulating the amount of light at any time of the day. Working from home will be dramatically different if we are able to allow a large amount of natural light into the rooms.
It enhances the aesthetics of any space
In addition to a room with more light being more presentable and healthier, it also allows for more design solutions and creativity during the creation of focal points within the home. When there is an adequate amount of light, it is possible to additionally emphasize certain aspects of the room with mirrors and reflective elements, or give the impression of an additional, larger amount of lighting through reflections.
All in all, more light and openings ensure a higher aesthetic level of the home, and thus its higher value. High value buildings often allow the use of balcony openings or sliding walls.
Especially in modern architecture, which often lacks color, texture and ornaments, natural light allows playing with colors inside the building, and by installing shutters on window or balcony openings, it is possible to implement colors on the exterior of the building itself.
Natural light reduces stress and anxiety
Natural light is a free way to get the all-important vitamin D. In addition to being good for bodily functions, it is also important for mental health and reduces levels of depression, stress and anxiety. In other words, greater exposure to natural light will enable the creation of a greater amount of vitamin D, and thus directly reduce stress and anxiety.
In ideal conditions, direct exposure to sunlight immediately after waking up in the morning for at least half an hour is recommended in order to maximize the positive effect of vitamin D throughout the rest of the day.
A large amount of sunlight enables energy savings
Natural light will reduce the need for artificial light inside the rooms. Large window and balcony openings guarantee the availability of a large and high-quality amount of natural light, and directly help with heating the rooms due to the impact of the Sun’s rays on the window surfaces.
There is an additional degree of energy saving that is realized through transparent solar cells that can be installed between the layers of window glass and thus used to generate clean electricity.
If the architectural and design aspects of the building and premises allow you to do so, why pay for heating and electricity for light when you can use natural light?
Improves eyesight
Technology and excessive work dynamics of modern life have brought with them the significant problem of heavy strain on our eyes. A large amount of time is spent on smartphones, televisions and monitors which greatly tires the eyes and ultimately results in undesirable dioptres.
Artificial light dramatically increases the development of myopia, which has become a modern problem already in the early years of young children due to our modern lifestyle. It is highly recommended to use as much natural light as possible during the day, wherever and whenever possible, as it prevents eye fatigue, loss of eyesight and myopia.
Natural light makes a person happier
There are several hormones that are often called happy hormones because they directly or indirectly promote positive feelings, emotions and generally raise the mood and satisfaction of the individual. Dopamine, serotonin and endorphin are some of the more important among them.
Natural light directly affects the creation of additional levels of endorphins, dopamine and serotonin, making a person happier on a hormonal level. This gives the person more energy, the feeling of being well-rested, and reduces pain and suffering. A good and high-quality amount of sunlight thus guarantees a happier and healthier life inside every building!
Shutters enable precise control of light
Shutters as the ultimate solution for regulating natural light
Quality aluminium shutters give you a better approach when designing your homes and rooms. Create objects of high aesthetic value and enable the influx of sunlight wherever possible.
You will never find yourself in a situation where you may have let too much light into the room and made it unusable during certain hours of the day or seasons.
EUX shutters will take care of all such situations and give you complete control over the amount of natural light in all your rooms. It is better to regulate light than not to have enough of it!
