.A roof lantern is an excellent choice when it comes to adding something to your home or workplace that will improve the space. If you have been considering adding a skylight or roof lantern, you will no doubt have considered how it will make the area much brighter. However, did you know that natural light can affect your mood? Here we explore roof lantern lighting and how adding more natural light can improve your health.

Benefits of natural lighting

Does a roof lantern let in more light? Of course, but it also does so much more than that. Experts have long been purporting the many benefits of natural light. While you may think about adding roof lantern lighting to brighten up a dark room, you will get much more from it than just more light. The key benefits include:

• Improve your mood
• Increase productivity
• Better sleep
• Mental health benefits

Improve your mood

Exposure to natural light has many benefits, including the production of serotonin, which is known as the “feel-good hormone.” When sunlight enters our eyes, it triggers the production of serotonin in the brain. It’s responsible for regulating our mood, appetite, and sleep. Serotonin helps to stabilise our mood. It is essential for messages to get from one area of the brain to another, which is vital for maintaining good mental health.

Studies have shown that a lack of serotonin is linked to depression and anxiety. So, it is crucial to get as much natural light as possible. The more natural light you are exposed to, the better it is for your overall health and wellbeing. Natural light not only helps to increase the production of serotonin, but it also helps to regulate our circadian rhythm, which is responsible for our sleep-wake cycle.

In addition to the benefits for our mental health, exposure to natural light has also been linked to improved physical health. Natural light helps to regulate our vitamin D levels,. Vitamin D is essential for bone health, a strong immune system. It helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

Increase productivity

In recent times, there has been a significant shift towards remote work, with more and more people working from home. Creating a conducive work environment at home is crucial for productivity and overall well-being. A workspace with ample natural light has been shown to increase engagement, productivity, and happiness among employees.

Studies have shown that people who work in areas with lots of natural light are more focused and can work for longer periods compared to those working in dimly lit spaces. Natural light has been shown to regulate our circadian rhythm, which in turn helps to regulate our sleep-wake cycle, making us more alert and productive during the day.

One of the best ways to create a perfect home office with natural light is by adding roof lantern lighting. Roof lanterns are a great way to bring in more natural light and create a sense of openness in a room. They provide a great source of light, and since they are placed on the roof, they allow light to penetrate deeper into the room.

Roof lantern lighting not only brings in natural light but also adds a touch of elegance and style to your home office. They come in various sizes, shapes, and materials, making them a versatile option that can fit into any home design.

Better sleep

The daily light cycle plays a crucial role in regulating our body’s internal clock or circadian rhythm. This rhythm influences many biological processes, including sleep-wake cycles, hormone production, and metabolism. Natural light is one of the most potent regulators of our body’s circadian rhythm.

Getting adequate natural light exposure during the day can help improve sleep quality. Studies have shown that individuals who get more natural light exposure during the day tend to fall asleep faster. They also sleep longer compared to those who do not. It is because natural light exposure helps to reset our body’s internal clock. That reset makes it easier to fall asleep at night.

Moreover, natural light exposure during the day helps our body’s natural melatonin cycle. Melatonin is a hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating our sleep-wake cycle. When exposed to natural light during the day, our body produces more melatonin at night, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Mental health benefits

Research shows that Vitamin D, which your body produces when exposed to natural light and sunshine, impacts your blood pressure, cognition, and brain function. Not getting enough vitamin D is linked to many mood disorders such as seasonal affective disorder, anxiety, and depression. So, creating a space with lots of natural lighting helps your system know when to eat, sleep and rest, which is essential for good mental health.

Are roof lanterns a good idea?

As discussed above, roof lanterns provide so many great benefits. Choosing to add this to a room in your house will add a point of interest to the space and give you so much more. Contemporary roof lantern lighting is popular for extensions as you can create a wonderful light area that can have many uses and increase space in your house. If you want to extend your kitchen and need some ideas, our blog on How to plan and design a small kitchen extension for your home can help.

Do you need planning permission for a roof lantern?

Generally, you won’t need planning permission for a roof lantern as long as it fits within the specific rules of your local planning office. If you are adding a roof light to a new extension or renovation project for your home, ensure you include all the details in your planning submission.

To ensure you follow all the applicable rules for your home and your region, you can contact your local council or planning office. An experienced roof lantern installation company will be able to advise you on general rules and other things you will need to consider before choosing this type of skylight.

Roof Lantern Lighting Installation

At Midlands Bifolds, we provide roof window installation services in the Midlands and beyond. If you want to improve the interior of your home by adding more natural light, we can help. Our expert team can visit your home and help you choose the best roof lantern lighting. Contact us today for a free quote.