Stress, sleep, and exercise are the first things that spring to mind when we think about the variables that affect our mental health. However, recent studies suggest that exposure to light may be a less evident component that contributes to mental health more than previously thought (1). This is the discovery.
Researching How Exposure to Light Affects Mental Health
With around 87,000 participants, this study is the largest on light exposure and mental health to date and was conducted out of Australia. The researchers looked at elements like light exposure, sleep, physical exercise, and mental health when they collected the data that was used.
The results suggest that lighting may have a greater impact on mental health than previously believed, as individuals who experienced higher levels of light exposure during the nighttime hours demonstrated a higher likelihood of mental health conditions such as despair and anxiety. In other words, there was a 30% higher chance of depression associated with light exposure at night. Similar trends were observed for psychosis, self-harm, bipolar illness, anxiety, and PTSD.
Furthermore, these results held true even after taking into consideration confounding factors including shift work, cardio-metabolic health, and urban versus rural life, as the study reports in a press release (2).
The positive news is that the study also discovered that daytime light exposure can protect mental health and lower the incidence of psychosis.
What Measures Should Be Taken
These results emphasize how crucial light exposure is for mental wellness. Our discoveries could have a significant effect on society. People can improve their well-being by following a few easy measures once they realize how much their patterns of light exposure affect their mental health. Getting bright light during the day and darkness at night is the key.
Although it may seem straightforward, we go against our biological makeup by spending about 90% of our waking hours indoors under artificial lighting, which is excessively bright during the night and too dim during the day in comparison to the cycles of natural light and dark. Our bodies get disoriented by this and become unhealthy.
Therefore, make every effort to use natural light during the day, and if you can, go for a stroll outside in the afternoon. Dim your lights as soon as the sun sets and make every effort to stay away from screens as late as you can.
Related Post: Is Light Therapy the Next Big Brain Treatment?
A study has demonstrated that synchronizing your circadian rhythm with daylight can enhance blood sugar regulation, sleep quality, and mental well-being.
To Wrap Things Up
The research highlights the profound impact of light exposure on mental health, suggesting a vital link between our environment and well-being. By aligning our daily routines with natural light patterns—maximizing exposure during the day and minimizing it at night—we can support our mental health and reduce the risk of conditions such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis.
Simple adjustments like spending time outdoors and dimming artificial lights in the evening can make a significant difference. As we incorporate these practices into our lives, we not only honor our biological rhythms but also take a proactive step toward enhancing our mental wellness. Embracing these changes can lead to a healthier, more balanced life.
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