It may sound contradictory but letting natural light into your bedroom during the day can actually help you sleep better at night. In fact, just being in sunlight in general can help you sleep better. You sleep better because the sun helps your body rebalance your circadian rhythm and produce melatonin (the sleep hormone).
Circadian Rhythm
A circadian rhythm is an internal clock embedded in every creature. It tells us when to eat, sleep, and work. For thousands of years, our circadian rhythm has been dictated by the amount and type of light that we receive during the day. Today, when the average person spends 90% of their time indoors, it can be difficult to have a balanced circadian rhythm which can lead to poor sleep habits and other health issues.
A skylight brings natural light into your home and can help rebalance your circadian rhythm.
Your circadian rhythm plays a large role not only in your sleep quality, but your overall well-being as it influences your autonomic nervous system. This system helps to function your heartbeat, blood pressure, body temperature, digestion, and metabolism. An irregular circadian rhythm caused by a lack of natural light can cause health issues such as:
- Depression
- Cognitive decline
- Weight gain
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- Digestive problems
Skylights will not cure any of these nor will they directly cause them, but they can facilitate in the slow development, or slow healing, of these issues by helping balance an imbalanced circadian rhythm.
