Daylight Via Skylights is a Natural Way to Improve Sleep
Some adults spend endless nights scrolling on their phone, looking for a natural way to improve sleep. Among the many suggestions, they might find breathing techniques, counting techniques, ambient noise, or even diet and exercise. But a little-known technique that helps adults fall asleep and stay asleep is regular exposure to daylight.
In the book, The Magic of Melatonin (2017 Skyhorse Publishing), Dr. Jan-Kirk found that when “exposed to early morning sunlight, the body produces melatonin sooner and helps people to fall asleep more easily.” This has everything to do with our circadian rhythms and how we use day/light cycles to optimize our sleep patterns.
How Adults Use Daylight as a Natural Way to Improve Sleep
Human circadian rhythm is a cycle that consists of a self-sustained 24-hour rhythm that relies heavily on daylight. The process begins in the morning when cones on the back of the optic nerve begin processing daylight. This signals the production of serotonin. The body uses serotonin throughout the day to regulate hormones and metabolism. Besides being a natural way to improve sleep, it also improves the central nervous and muscular systems.
After the sun sets, serotonin production switches to melatonin, which eases the body into a relaxed state. This lowers metabolism, increases the production of growth hormones, and rinses the brain of toxins. This process is optimized when someone is exposed to early morning sunlight. As Dr. Jan-Kirk discovered, this gets the body to produce melatonin sooner at night and helps people to fall asleep more easily. In fact, exposure to early morning daylight can increase sleep by up to 46 minutes.
Limited Skin Exposure to Daylight Can Increase Sleep Too
Exposure to the direct sun is another natural way to improve sleep. Skin also collects daylight to help boost serotonin production. Enough daylight can be collected in 10-15 minutes of direct daylight outside for those with lighter skin. Those with darker skin can achieve the same effect in 20-30 minutes. Besides helping with sleep, this process aids in resetting the body’s homeostasis, giving daylight the power to manage autoimmune and mood disorders, addiction, and obesity.
VELUX Skylights Let in 2.5X More Daylight Than a Vertical Window
Maintaining moderately high serotonin levels results in more positive moods and a calm yet focused mental outlook. However, a circadian rhythm that is not properly regulated can lead to poor sleep and result in various negative outcomes. An appropriate light signal during the day and at night is critical in maintaining key aspects of overall health.
Because of their position on the roof and constant exposure to daylight, VELUX Skylights let in 2.5X the amount of natural light than vertical windows. This is more than enough daylight to expose the skin and eyes to maintain a proper circadian rhythm. The VELUX Skylight System can be programmed or paired with a smart home system to open and close skyilghts and shades to create the optimal indoor environment.
For remodelers and contractors looking to purchase a VELUX Skylight, we have a Dealer Locator. Once on the webpage, enter the local zip code for a list of local construction material retailers and supply houses that offer VELUX products.
For any pro looking for skylight installation instructions, we have videos available on our website. Our YouTube channel offers even more information. Hands-on training is also available in select areas via our Pro Partner Academy and Mobile Training Van.
Find Our Other Health Benefits of Skylights
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