We all know we can give a room the desired ambiance by playing with light levels and choosing the right light fixtures, but these are not light’s only powers! Light therapy’s virtues (luminotherapy) are increasingly well documented. The principle is simple: humans need to absorb certain rays for optimal mental and physical health. Luminotherapy lamps that imitate the sun’s rays (without the dangerous UV rays) have been designed to help people recharge during the darker months. While this technique is not always as effective as conventional medicine, the benefits are real.
Whether natural or artificial, light not only impacts the atmosphere of a room, it also influences its occupants’ mental well-being!
A Cure for Depression?
It is no accident that the months of November through February are well known for being the period of the year when people claiming to be depressed fill doctors waiting rooms. The cold weather of fall and winter are in part responsible, but it’s mostly the lack of sunlight that causes unpleasant symptoms. Haven’t you ever noticed that people are happier during hot months of summer? It’s not just because it’s vacation time!
In fact, low light levels seem to be the reason that workers located away from windows are more prone to episodes of depression.
Is Your Home Sufficiently Lit?
When it comes to brightening up our spaces, one obvious option is to rethink the decor by using lighter paint colours, which reflects light instead of absorbing it. Keep the drapes open or use sheers to stay upbeat. And if you are thinking about purchasing a new house, add “good lighting” to your list of criteria. Are there enough windows in each room? Are they correctly oriented to let the sun in all day long? Is the much sought-after sunlight blocked by mature trees in the yard? Is there a skylight or a solarium that will let you fill up on sunshine? Consider it!
The Trend for Large Windows
Thankfully, the trend for new builds is to include large windows or even glass-windowed walls. In addition to being environmentally friendly, they trap solar energy, letting you save on heating. These large windows may really be antidepressant. Do you get the blues when the weather turns cold? They’re worth a try!
Did You Know?
- Between approximately 3% to 8% of the population living in the Nordic regions suffer from seasonal affective disorder.
- The unit of measurement for illumination is the lux (lx). When the days get darker, the inside of a house only reaches 500 lx, while outside, on a sunny day, light levels go up to 100,000 lx.
- Light therapy lamps are effective for most people: they increase energy levels and fight the blues. However, some people experience side effects, such as insomnia, headaches and eye irritation.
- American researchers discovered the link between seasonal affective disorder and the lack of light in 1973.
For more advice or to find a bright sunny home, RE/MAX is here to help!