Daylight – its importance in the daily functioning of humans is invaluable. Did you know that access to natural light can shape our well-being in many ways?
Natural light and diurnal rhythm
The diurnal rhythm – that is, the natural cycle of activity and rest – is closely linked to exposure to daylight. Light regulates the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep.
When we wake up in a bright room in the morning, our body stops producing melatonin. This is felt as arousal, and the result is an improved mood.
In places where access to daylight is limited, there is a risk of disrupting the diurnal rhythm. This can manifest itself in unjustified feelings of fatigue, decreased concentration and even sleep problems. This is why it is so important that the spaces where we spend most of our time are adequately illuminated with natural light.
Effects of daylight on mood and productivity
Daylight has a direct effect on our mood. Thanks to its intensity and spectrum, it stimulates the production of serotonin – a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood, appetite and sleep, among other things. An increased amount of serotonin in the body is associated with a better mood and higher energy levels.
The effect of daylight on productivity is also not insignificant. Studies show that people who work in well-lit rooms are more focused and efficient in their tasks. Adequate lighting in the workplace improves the ability to focus on specific activities, reduces feelings of eye fatigue and helps to maintain consistent energy levels throughout the day. Therefore, rooms that are dominated by large windows that let in daylight are conducive to better user productivity – whether they are householders in residential buildings or office workers.
Mental disorders and daylight deficiency
Insufficient exposure to daylight can contribute to the development of mental disorders. Studies supporting this have been conducted in countries with limited access to sunlight and in those where the daylight is much shorter during the winter. It has been shown that a lack of adequate natural light is linked to a greater likelihood of developing seasonal affective disorder – a type of depression that typically occurs during autumn and winter, when days are short and access to daylight decreases dramatically.
In rooms with relatively limited access to daylight, it is worth considering windows with large expanses or skylights – both solutions can improve access to natural light and reduce the risk of disruption associated with a lack of light.
The role of windows in the design of health-friendly spaces
Designing spaces with adequate access to daylight is one of the most important challenges for architects and interior designers. Windows have a very important function here, as the main source of natural light. When designing new buildings and retrofitting existing spaces, it is worth paying attention to the placement and size of windows to ensure the best possible access to daylight throughout the day.
Windows of the right size and location allow light to be evenly distributed around the room, eliminating the need for artificial lighting during the day. Wide panoramic windows, or floor-to-ceiling windows, provide maximum access to daylight while enjoying the view of the space surrounding the building. The result is an additional improvement in the comfort of living in such an interior.
Daylight and modern window technologies
As technology advances, more and more sophisticated solutions are emerging that can support mental health by controlling access to daylight. An example is windows equipped with sun control systems that automatically adjust the amount of incoming light according to outdoor conditions.
Modern technology helps to avoid overly intense, glaring sunlight, while maximising access to diffuse natural light in the morning and afternoon.
Modern windows can also be integrated with intelligent building management systems that monitor sunlight levels and adjust the position of blinds or shutters. This makes it possible to create optimal light conditions that promote well-being, mental health and high productivity.
