The average American will spend up to 90% of their lifetime indoors. Whether you’re working, studying, resting, enjoying a meal, spending time with your family, or doing something else, chances are you’re under a roof and surrounded by walls.
You do need some things to live a healthier lifestyle, though, such as fresh air and natural light. That’s why your home’s windows play an important role in keeping you healthy.
There are health benefits to being exposed to natural light:
Vitamin D
Exposure to sunlight triggers the skin to absorb vitamin D, which your body needs to prevent bone loss. It also helps in reducing other health risks, such as heart problems, weight gain, and some cancers. It doesn’t matter whether you’re indoors or outdoors. If you are exposed to sunlight, you get its benefits. At home, it’s important to have windows that block UV light while also allowing plenty of natural sunlight.
Reduced Depression
When the fall season arrives, up to about 6% of the population suffer from a major depressive disorder with seasonal patterns, or seasonal affective disorder. Up to about 14% suffer from “winter blues”. When exposed to more natural light, you have a better chance of avoiding such an onset.
Less Stress From Artificial Lighting
Some people who spend more time under fluorescent lighting than sunlight have been found to have an elevated stress response. Many have a higher incidence of migraines and eye strain. Replacing your old windows that have small glass areas with double hung windows with Fibrex® frames (stronger and thinner, allowing more glass area) and High-Performance™ Low-E4® glass (blocks UV but allows plenty of light) can reduce the bad effects of darkness, gloominess, or artificial lighting.
Better Sleep
People exposed to more natural light are better sleepers than those who spend most of their time in the dark or with nothing but artificial lighting.
Live a healthier life even if you spend most of your time indoors. Get in touch with Renewal by Andersen® of Sacramento to replace your old, inefficient windows with new picture windows and our other products that allow more natural light while stopping heat transfer. Call us today at (916) 779-5800 or fill out this form to tell us about your project. We work with homeowners in Sacramento, CA.
