Sunlight has been prescribed since ancient days as a natural form of therapy to cure many physical and mental ailments. Light is an important environmental factor that affects the body’s natural 24-hour pattern of mental, physical and behavioral cycles, called the circadian rhythm. Light is an especially important factor in regulating sleep, controlling certain hormone releases and maintaining body temperature.
How It Works
In simple terms, light affects sleep patterns by telling our bodies when to be tired and when to be alert. Light sends a signal through the eye to the brain to increase melatonin production when light is low. Melatonin is a hormone that causes drowsiness and naturally puts us to sleep. Artificial light from lamps or other electronic devices can interfere with this natural pattern and affect sleep.
Adverse Effects
One of the more well-known effects of poor natural light is seasonal affective disorder, which occurs during winter when sunlight is not plentiful and causes depression and changes in appetite, mood, behavior and sleep cycles. According to the Center for Environmental Therapeutics, delayed sleep phase disorder causes unusually late sleep and rise times, and can be attributed to irregular light patterns. Too much light from modern sources like electronic devices, light bulbs and street signs can make it difficult to get to sleep or stay asleep.
Therapies
Light therapy normally is the preferred choice for people who have poor sleep patterns or suffer from seasonal affective disorder. Specially designed light boxes mimic natural light that is then received through the eye, much the same as sunlight. This triggers the brain to secrete melatonin to regulate a more natural sleep and wake cycle.
Warnings
If you are having trouble sleeping, consult a psychologist or physician to make sure your sleep problems aren’t a sign of more serious depression or another mental health condition. Ask for a physician’s help in choosing the best remedy, including the right light therapy box.
