For many people winter skies are dim and even sometimes grey. The lack of light when I lived further north is really one of the reasons I moved to Florida decades ago. Winters with cold nights and long evenings and little light make me sad as it does many other people. (See Seasonal Affective Disorder for more information on dealing with SAD.)
It’s time now in the dark of winter to consider how to bring more light in your home. Nothing compares to the warm feeling of sunshine across your face especially during a cold, dreary winter. Natural light is important for so much more than aesthetics. Natural light helps to regulate your body’s sleep-wake cycle. Your sleep cycle is regulated by circadian rhythms, where you begin to wake and rise when you are exposed to natural light (sunrise) and where you begin to wind down when natural light reduces (night). According to The National Library of Medicine‘s post, Benefits of Sunlight, the World Health Organization reports very low levels of UVR exposure is related to major disorders of the musculoskeletal system and possibly an increased risk of various autoimmune diseases and life-threatening cancers. It is advised to get at least 10-15 minutes of sunlight daily. Sunlight also has a huge impact on depression, seasonal affective disorder and sleep quality and can help you lose weight.
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