As the world becomes more and more digitized, many people are spending more time indoors at work. While they’ve realized the pros of using a standing desk and invested in some for extra productivity, they forget another essential factor. While this offers many benefits, it can also have some negative consequences for workers’ health. One such consequence is a lack of natural light. Natural light has been shown to offer several benefits for workers. That’s why many office spaces have better exposure to natural light right now. But does it matter? In this blog post, we will explore the science-backed benefits of natural light exposure for your workers in your office space.
Boosts Vitamin D Levels
One of the benefits of natural light is that it helps to boost workers’ vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is essential for many functions in the body, including bone health, immunity, and muscle function. Unfortunately, many people are deficient in vitamin D because they don’t get enough sun exposure. In one study, office workers who were exposed to natural light had significantly higher vitamin D levels than those who were not. In another study, workers who were exposed to natural light had lower rates of absenteeism due to illness.
Improves Focus and Concentration
A study conducted by the University of North Carolina showed that natural light exposure could improve workers’ focus and concentration. The study found that office workers who were exposed to natural light had significantly higher task performance than those who were not. In another study, students who were exposed to natural light had better test scores than those who were not. Moreover, natural light exposure has been shown to reduce the symptoms of ADHD.
Increases the “Happy Hormone”
Have you ever heard of the “happy hormone”? It’s called serotonin, and it’s responsible for regulating mood, appetite, and sleep. A lack of natural light can lead to a decrease in serotonin levels, which can cause depression. In one study, office workers who were exposed to natural light had higher levels of serotonin than those who were not. Moreover, natural light exposure has been shown to reduce the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Helps Regulate the Body’s Circadian Rhythm
Last but not least, natural light exposure helps to regulate the body’s circadian rhythm. The circadian rhythm is responsible for regulating many functions in the body, including sleep, metabolism, and hormone levels. A disruption in the circadian rhythm can lead to some health problems, such as insomnia, obesity, and depression. In one study, office workers who were exposed to natural light had better sleep quality than those who were not. In another study, students who were exposed to natural light had better academic performance than those who were not.
So there you have it. The science-backed benefits of natural light exposure for workers in any office space. But how can you reap the benefits of natural light exposure in your office space? First off, you can set up some glass walls to let in natural light. You can also invest in some skylights or solar tubes. Finally, you can make sure that your workers have access to natural light during their breaks.