Between the shortened days and the cloudy sky, it is difficult to have enough light in winter. Result, we feel more tired, less happy, less in shape … and we look forward to sunny days! In short, light is vital to us, it is obvious. But if necessary, here are 3 concrete examples that demonstrate it.
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Light helps to have good eyesight
Two recent studies, in Taiwan and Denmark, have shown that children who play a lot outdoors have less risk of developing myopia. The light would boost dopamine, a neurotransmitter necessary for the functioning of the retina.
What happens when there is a lack of light? “We bring the object closer to his eyes, which leads to a phenomenon of hyperaccomodation “, explains Professor Christian Corbé. Insensibly the eye grows and becomes too long: it is myopia. Night lights also favored myopia. Besides that good vision, therefore good lighting, participate in cerebral development. But it is not just the eye that needs light in order to grow well. vitamin D, this vitamin is essential for bone and joint growth.
In practice : we multiply outdoor activities for children, we limit their access to screens, we ensure that their room has good lighting at night, and we maintain twilight during the night.
>> Read also:The lack of daylight responsible for myopia?
Light boosts morale
It was in 1984 that an American-South African psychiatrist Dr. Norman Rosenthal identified the phenomenon of seasonal depression. He has indeed shown that light plays an essential role in the regulation of our biological clocks. We use it today to fight against winter depression or to set our records straight after jet lag. Stimulation of the retina by light rays causes a reaction in the brain that produces, among other things, serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in the feeling of well-being.
In practice : walk outside every day: even in gray weather, there is more light outside than at home! Going for white walls that reflect light well is a good idea. In case of fragility, one can use a dawn simulator or a light therapy lamp.
Light helps to age better
Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the best ways to stay alert and active. However, recalled Professor Françoise Forette, geriatrician, director of the ILC (International Center on Longevity) on the occasion of a day organized by AFE (French Lighting Association), this sleep-wake rhythm is often disturbed with advancing age: we sleep during the day and have insomnia at night.
Exposure to light during the day helps regulate your sleep-wake rhythm. And the gerontologist underlines the many positive impacts of light on the elderly: “it allows us to better see the environment and to avoid falls, to read and to have stimulating intellectual activities, to slow down osteoporosis, to fight against depression which is a real scourge among seniors ”. In addition, specifies Pr Christian Corbé, ophthalmologist of hospitals, president of the Health college of AFE, good lighting improves the faculties of attention.
In practice: we open our shutters wide in the morning, we walk every day, if possible at the brightest hours of the day, we eliminate the old 40 watt bulbs and replace them with more powerful lights.
