As we navigate through the long stretch of winter and many of our New Year’s resolutions start to waver, there is one change we can all aim to implement during the colder months.
Although daylight is gradually increasing in the northern hemisphere, we often miss out on something crucial during this time.
The cold and dreary weather can understandably deter us from stepping outside, leading many to prefer the comfort of indoors.
While staying cozy indoors is perfectly fine, it often results in missing out on our necessary intake of natural light.
Although we cannot control the weather, a recent study focusing on type 2 diabetes patients reveals an unexpected advantage of getting natural light exposure.
The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Geneva, University Hospitals of Geneva, Maastricht University, and the German Diabetes Center, involving 13 older adults with type 2 diabetes.
In this study, published in the Cell Metabolism journal, participants experienced both natural daylight and artificial light under identical conditions.
The results indicated several benefits from natural daylight, particularly for diabetes patients, such as more stable blood glucose levels and extended time within normal glucose ranges.
Thus, blood sugar levels remained consistently healthier throughout the day instead of fluctuating dramatically.
An improvement in fat oxidative metabolism was also noted, which refers to the body’s enhanced ability to break down fat for energy, often facilitated by exercise.
Exposure to natural light also resulted in slightly higher melatonin levels, the hormone crucial for regulating sleep-wake cycles.
Though the study was small and short-term, it provides the first direct evidence that natural daylight can benefit metabolic health in individuals with type 2 diabetes compared to artificial lighting.
Joris Hoeks, the study’s co-director and an associate professor at Maastricht University, stated: “We largely spend our days under artificial lighting, which has a lower light intensity and a narrower wavelength spectrum than natural light.
“Natural light is also more effective in synchronizing the biological clock with the environment. Could the lack of natural light be to blame for metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes?”
Even for those who do not have diabetes, exposure to natural light can enhance both mental and physical well-being.
The findings from the Cell Metabolism study suggest that natural light helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, may improve sleep patterns, and could aid in metabolizing food more efficiently.
According to Healthline, natural light boosts vitamin D production, ‘a critical nutrient that prevents bone loss and reduces the risk of heart disease, weight gain, and various cancers’.
It can also help alleviate seasonal depression. Furthermore, venturing out, even when it’s cold and gloomy, can help break the monotony.
There are several methods to maximize your exposure to natural light, as highlighted by Healthline.
If you spend significant time indoors, use mirrors and reflective surfaces to distribute sunlight around the room and enhance brightness.
Even metallic décor – such as brass or silver pieces – can amplify this effect.
Make it a habit to open your blinds and fully draw back heavy curtains to let in more natural light.
When increasing natural light indoors is not feasible, make it a point to spend time outside whenever possible, including in the mornings and during lunch breaks.
Exercising outdoors or near windows, or using light therapy lamps, are also advisable.
This serves as the perfect motivation to head out for a brisk walk whenever the sun decides to grace us.