If you’ve lived in Wisconsin long enough, you know that sunlight is a valuable thing. Outside of the blissful summertime months, we only get to enjoy a few fleeting glimpses in the fall, winter, and spring. So when the sun does come out, we want to soak up every moment—regardless of whether we’re inside or outside.
That’s why having big, clear windows in your home is so important. Windows don’t just offer you a view of the outside world, they bathe your space (and its occupants) in precious sunlight! And the benefits of natural light aren’t anything to scoff at—it provides things such as immune-boosting vitamins, an improved sleep schedule, and lowered energy costs.
The Benefits of Natural Window Light
Boosts Vitamin D
One of the many benefits of increased sunlight (other than a great tan) is the production of vitamin D. Affectionately known as the “sunshine vitamin”, it’s known to reduce the risk of heart disease, improve your immune health functions, and can even decrease the likelihood of certain cancers. It’s also important for bone strength and density, thereby lowering the chance of breaks or fractures.
Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to get enough vitamin D, especially in the winter months, when the cold and snow can force us to bundle up and hide inside. That’s why letting in natural sunlight through your windows is so important. It allows you to still absorb vitamin D throughout the day, regardless of the temperature.
Improves Sleep
Everybody wants to get the doctor-recommended eight hours. However, amidst the artificial glow of our screens and the harsh overhead fluorescents, it can be difficult to feel particularly restful at night. But did you know that increased exposure to natural sunlight throughout the day can actually help you sleep better?
It may seem contradictory that more light is the key, but sunlight helps regulate your body’s circadian rhythm (the internal clock that tells you when to feel sleepy and when to feel alert). It synchronizes your sleep/awake cycle with the day/night cycle of the sun, causing your body to produce more melatonin and prepare for deeper, healthier sleep when it gets dark.
So don’t shy away from those windows! Sit by them and soak in the sun while you work or study, and prepare for some extra z’s when your head hits the pillow later on.
Combats SAD
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is tied to the change of season and typically occurs during the fall and winter months as a result of shorter days and less sunshine. Its side effects can include:
- Sadness or depression
- Feelings of fatigue
- Headaches
- Cramps
- Digestive problems
It’s a troubling yet hard-to-avoid side effect of the colder months. However, that doesn’t mean you have to succumb to SAD completely. One of the best ways to combat SAD is by maximizing your exposure to sunlight, and that’s where windows come into play!
Being somewhere with a lot of windows will allow natural light to come in and increase your serotonin levels, making you feel happier despite the weather forcing you indoors. If you’re someone who frequently suffers from SAD, you may want to consider renovating your home to add more windows.
Decreases Energy Costs
Everybody dreads that moment when they get their energy bill in the mail and have to see all those dollar signs. This rings especially true for people who like to have a bright house, and therefore leave their lights on all day.
This may not come as a huge surprise, but increased natural light can significantly decrease your energy bills—in fact, according to the International Energy Agency, designing your home in a way that maximizes natural light can reduce lighting energy consumption by up to 40%! Over time, the cost-saving benefits will counteract the initial price tag of installing new, sunny windows.
Reduces Stress
Have you ever heard of the Korombei Effect? It’s a Japanese concept that loosely translates to the calming sensation of seeing dappled sunlight filtering through trees. It emphasizes the beauty with which light and shadow interact with our surroundings and the soothing feelings it can evoke in people when they are immersed in it.
Through the use of windows and natural light (and even plants if you’d like), you can recreate this effect in your own home. It can make your work or home environment feel more connected to nature, which in turn will reduce stress levels and make you feel more peaceful as you go about your day.
Adds Aesthetic Appeal
One of the easiest ways to decorate your home is through the use of natural light coming in through windows. Natural light enhances the already existing architectural features, design elements, textures, and colors in your space. The warmth of natural light (as opposed to artificial light) can make the atmosphere vibrant and inviting, as well as make rooms appear larger and more open.
As the light changes throughout the day and moves around, so does the atmosphere and visual interest in each room. Because of this, natural light is an incredibly dynamic and low-effort way to make your home more aesthetically pleasing.
How to Increase Sunlight Through Windows
If you’re interested in increasing natural light in your own home or office space, there are a few things you can do:
- Remove thick drapes or curtains. Opt for more easy-to-open blinds.
- Hang a mirror. They can reflect light and make your room instantly appear bigger.
- Replace outdated windows. If your windows are foggy or cracked, you’re not maximizing your light. Modern windows will let in more sunshine.
- Install new windows. Hire a trusted window company to install windows in poorly lit areas that will best suit your space and maximize your natural light.
For more information about increasing natural light in your home and the resulting benefits, contact the team of experts at Standard Roofing & Restoration today. From bay windows to picture windows, we’ve got it all!
