Let the sun shine in

Arnulfo Collier Comments Off on Let the sun shine in

Research has shown a vitamin D deficiency can increase the likelihood of heart attacks, several cancers, and osteoporosis. It can also be responsible for insomnia and depression, as well as contributing to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). In the ideal world we would all get our required dosage of vitamins and minerals from a healthy, varied diet.Vitamins are nutritious traces the body itself can’t produce, so we need to ingest them as part of our diet. Vitamin D however, is not considered a true vitamin, but what is termed a pro-hormone – because the body synthesizes the natural sunlight into vitamin D when it reaches our skin. It is for this reason sunlight plays such an important part in ensuring we get our recommended levels of the vitamin.Medical research has comprehensively proved the damaging effects a lack of vitamin D can have on the body. Ongoing workplace research shows that, besides providing our required vitamin D, natural sunlight provides most of us a feel-good factor. We feel more energetic, happier, more creative and productive, and take less sick time off work.With these factors in mind, modern commercial property design includes the greater use of glass, to allow maximum natural light into the workplace. However, until recently, older office complexes relied on ‘daylight’ or ‘sunlight’ fluorescent lighting, which was a poor substitute for the real thing. Now though, these old fluorescent lighting systems are being consigned to the past.Established in 2003, the Swedish lighting company Parans has developed a system using sunlight collectors and fibre optic cables to carry the light rays deep into the farthest areas of the building. With collectors similar to solar panels on the roof, the system tracks the sun across the sky, feeding the rays into the building via fibre cables. Whether you want to maximise the natural light in your home, or improve your employees wellbeing and workplace productivity, a natural sunlight system from Parans could be just the way to do it.Getting the right amount of sunshine daily is essential. Research has shown that people who live in places that don’t get enough sunlight have a high risk of getting multiple sclerosis, high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.Moreover, adequate sunshine helps you get good sleep. Your eyes need sunlight to set the body’s internal clock. If you are in the dark the whole time or using electricity the whole day, your brain will not know the difference between daytime and at night.Sunlight helps boost serotonin, a chemical known to give you more energy and keep you positive and happy. Therefore morning sunshine will help improve your emotional being.Regular amount of sunshine helps to prevent certain skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Too much ultraviolet rays from the sun can cause skin cancers. Thus, you need to get a regular amount of sunlight. Also, use sunscreen when you are basking Sunshine is important for your health, and therefore you should not avoid it.

Categories: Health and safety