Natural light and well -being: scientific evidence
The study – presented by Professor Carlo Ventura, full of molecular biology at the Alma Mater of Bologna and scientific coordinator of the research – was conducted by researchers Sima in collaboration with Hyperspectral Imaging in Bologna and Velux Italia, and revealed the powerful impact of natural light on the psychophysical well -being of individuals who live and work in indoor environments: the natural light positively influences the circadian rhythm, hormonal, metabolism and sleep quality, and increases the biofotonic activity of individuals up to +30%.
But how did the study take place? Using an innovative multi -special analysis system (Phaedra), designed to measure radiation emissions from human bodies, researchers analyzed the interaction between direct sunlight and physiological and cognitive functions. The preliminary results of the study revealed that natural light deeply affects biodynamic, energy and circadian functions, with typical frequencies between 2 and 5 Hz. In particular, a significant correlation emerged between the close exposure to sunlight and an increase in biofotonic activity, with a consequent improvement of cognitive performance and greater complexity in the biological information network.
However, about 90% of our life takes place in closed environments that do not satisfy, in terms of access to natural light, the minimum hygienic-sanitary requirements, with consequent negative effects on psychophysical health and productivity.
Implications for architectural design
1 meter away from a window, where exposure to natural light is more intense, biofotonic activity increases significantly, suggesting greater brain efficiency and an improvement in psychophysical well -being, reveals the research. On the contrary, at higher distances, between 2 and 4 meters from the same window, the intensity of the emissions decreases drastically, with a reduction between -30% and -80%, associated with an increase in the states of relaxation and sleepiness.
Biofotonic activity appears directly linked to perceived well -being: at close range from the light source, positive variations are observed between +10% and +30%, a sign of greater physiological vitality. At greater distances, these variations descend drastically, with oscillations ranging from -40% to -80%, indicating a slowdown in physical activity and a possible increase in stress and fatigue.
“This pioneering study provides new evidence on the interactions between natural light and human biology, with potential applications for the design of work and life environments that can encourage greater productivity and better psychophysical well -being, promoting a more conscious use of natural light, contributing not only to the improvement of the quality of life, but also to environmental sustainability and energy saving” – explained Prof. Carlo Ventura.
“We build increasingly efficient buildings, but it is only through a holistic approach to the design that we can really improve its quality and make them closest to the needs of those who live them” – said Lorenzo Di Francesco, Public Affair Manager of Velux Italia.
