It’s estimated that on average, one billion people worldwide suffer from a lack of natural light. This leads to several different medical conditions, irregular sleep patterns and even depression. Is there a solution?
Often, work hours and long schedules keep you from enjoying the necessary benefits of natural light. One of the simplest ways to ensure you still have access to natural light, despite working indoors, is with the VELUX skylight installation. Installing skylights not only adds value to your home but also improves the general well-being of everyone living there.
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A Few Good Reasons to Install Skylights
Installing skylights in your home could improve your health and general mood in several ways. Let’s have a look at some of the health benefits of adding skylights to your home.
Fresh Air
Although you might open your windows and doors during the day, the air in your house can still become stale and stagnant. Without enough fresh air in your home, you might become more tired and less energetic.
Since hot air rises, open skylights mean the warm, stale air can easily be moved upwards and out. Fresh, clean and crisp air can fill your home. This not only increases the flow of fresh air throughout the home but also provides some cooling relief during the hot summer periods.
Prevents Mould
Homes constantly exposed to rain or high levels of humidity can have an increased build-up of damp. Damp ultimately leads to mildew and mould. This in turn can lead to respiratory illnesses such as asthma.
Exposing your home to constant fresh air and sunlight will dry out any damp patches that may accumulate in the roof or walls. Skylights will facilitate this process without much effort on your part. Even if your skylights are closed while you are at work, sunlight will still radiate into your home and dry out any dampness that might be building up.
Regulates Sleep Patterns
Installing skylights in the bedrooms of your home will see a massive improvement in your family’s sleeping patterns. Sleeping in a room where there’s natural light will ensure you wake up more relaxed.
Melatonin, a hormone that regulates your body’s sleep cycle is brought on by the natural darkness that comes with sunset. By having a source of natural light in the room, your body will have better control of the melatonin levels, resulting in more peaceful and restful sleep cycles.
Sunlight = Vitamin D
The best source of Vitamin D is sunlight and it plays a crucial role in overall health.
Let’s have a look at some of the advantages of allowing more sunlight into your home:
- MS: Scientific studies have shown that consistent exposure to Vitamin D may reduce the risk of multiple sclerosis.
- Heart disease: A healthy exposure to vitamin D reduces the risk of developing heart disease.
- Teeth: Vitamin D strengthens the enamel on your teeth and improves your general dental health.
- Bones: Exposure to Vitamin D also improves bone health and strengthens your skeletal structure.
With skylights, you’ll get additional exposure to sunlight and in turn, Vitamin D. This is particularly advantageous if you’re working inside all day and don’t always have a few hours to spend time outside.
Mood Improvement
Natural light also triggers a hormone called serotonin. This hormone strengthens the connection between nerve cells in the brain and the rest of your body. This then creates a general improvement in your mood in general.
Natural light is also important for the treatment of illnesses such as Seasonal Affective Disorder which is also known as seasonal depression.
Limits Exposure to Fluorescent Lighting
For some people, constant exposure to fluorescent lighting could increase conditions such as migraines and eye strain. If you work in an office, perhaps even on a computer, your exposure to artificial light is increased.
By having skylights added to your home, you’re limiting your exposure to artificial light and providing some relief to your eyes as well.
Reduces Stress
One of the biggest reasons for stress can be all the bills that need to be paid. One of those bills is usually the energy bill. By having Velux skylights installed in your home, you will save a considerable amount of money on your energy bill.
Considerable costs are usually spent on the appliances or systems that are used to heating and cooling your home. Skylights will ensure natural sunlight is absorbed into the home, keeping it warm during the winter.
Opening skylights during the day or the evening will ensure cool air circulating throughout the house during the day. This eliminates the need for heaters and air conditioning units. By not switching those appliances on, you’ll be saving a considerable amount of money on your energy bill.
Bonus: saving money on your energy bill will go a long way to reducing your stress levels!
A Final Thought on Installing Skylights
Having a few skylights installed in your home is simpler than you might think. Consulting with a reputable contractor to have a simple and easy Velux skylight installation won’t only add to the aesthetics of your home but will benefit your health as well!
