In a world dominated by artificial lighting, the quality and type of light we expose ourselves to can significantly impact our health and well-being. While nothing compares to natural daylight, some circumstances in our living spaces don’t allow access. We can’t knock holes into walls or create windows in buildings.
Be enlightened with broad spectrum lights and their range of benefits that go beyond mere illumination. From enhancing mood to improving sleep patterns, the advantages of broad spectrum light are extensive and well worth exploring.
This blog discusses broad spectrum light benefits and why you should consider incorporating this type of lighting in your living spaces.
What are Broad Spectrum Lights?
Broad spectrum lights mimic natural sunlight more closely than standard artificial lighting. Broad spectrum lights can be found in specialized bulbs designed to provide a more natural and comprehensive light source.
Broad Spectrum Light Benefits
Improves Sleep Patterns and Alleviates Sleep Disorders
Broad spectrum light is beneficial in regulating our circadian rhythm, or the body’s internal clock that dictates our sleep-wake cycles. After all, exposure to natural light during the day helps to synchronize these rhythms and promotes better sleep at night.
On the other hand, inadequate exposure to broad spectrum light can disrupt circadian rhythms, leading to sleep disorders and fatigue. Broad spectrum light therapy has been successfully used to treat these conditions, providing individuals with improved morning alertness, decreased need to sleep during the day, increased sleep time at night, and enhanced sleep duration.
Enhances Mood and Energy Levels
One of the most significant broad spectrum light health benefits is its positive impact on mood and energy levels. This type of light stimulates the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of well-being and happiness.
The effect of broad spectrum light is particularly noticeable during the winter months when natural sunlight is scarce, and many individuals experience a dip in their mood and energy.
Painless and Natural
Another broad spectrum light health benefit is that it is painless and requires no downtime to recover from treatment or use. You can naturally insert it throughout your daily routine without causing disruptions.
Replicates the Sun’s Light Indoors
Sunlight is a central aspect of the ecosystem, bringing various health benefits to the human body. In fact, it helps dictate our body’s tasks and when to do them. For instance, it triggers healing, hormone balance, and overall restoration. Having the wrong light at home can have detrimental effects, including depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, obesity, and more.
Treats Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at certain times of the year, usually in the winter when daylight hours are shorter. Reduced exposure to sunlight disrupts the body’s internal clock and decreases serotonin levels, leading to fatigue, low mood, and difficulty concentrating.
Exposure to broad spectrum light is an effective treatment for SAD. Light therapy, which involves sitting in front of a broad spectrum light box for a prescribed amount of time each day, can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall mood. Typical sessions last for about 30 minutes per day, and multiple case studies have shown that light therapy can quickly treat symptoms.
Find Illumination with Broad Spectrum Lights
Incorporating broad spectrum light into our daily lives can profoundly affect our physical and mental health. You can enjoy its many benefits by simplifying the process of replacing existing fixtures or attaching covers to provide spectrum light.
Whether through natural light or broad spectrum light bulbs, the benefits are as clear as daylight. Understanding the importance of broad spectrum light and making conscious choices to increase exposure can lead to a healthier and happier life.
Learn more about the benefits of light therapy by visiting the Alaska Northern Lights blog.
