Roof Windows: The Health Benefits

As well as providing a beautiful natural aesthetic to a room by allowing natural light to flood in, installing roof windows can also have numerous positive effects on health. We'll be looking in more detail at some of these many health benefits in this edition of the Greengates Builders Merchants blog.

One of the key ways in which natural light can have a positive effect on health is the fact that it triggers the body to produce vitamin D, which is aptly referred to as 'the sunshine vitamin'. The benefits of vitamin D are numerous.

• The primary role of vitamin D is to assist the body in its absorption of key elements like calcium and phosphorus within the digestive system. These elements are especially useful in the maintenance of bone health: people who have low levels of the vitamin are more prone to the development of osteoporosis.
• A randomised study of over 25,000 participants with cancer or cardiovascular disease was published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The study showed that those who took vitamin D supplements, as opposed to a control group who were given placebos, had a 25% reduced risk of death from their condition. 
• Vitamin D gives the immune system a strong boost, helping the body to fight off viruses and infections. The Journal of Investigative Medicine published a study that showed vitamin D deficiency increased a person's vulnerability to infection. 

In addition to increasing the body's production of vitamin D, exposure to natural light also triggers the production of serotonin, a hormone that is associated with elevated mood. A lack of natural light is responsible for the body producing excess melatonin; this hormone controls sleep and so makes people feel more tired. 

Human eyes evolved to work at an optimum level in natural light. In modern times, the excess amount of screen time in front of televisions, computers and mobile phones increase the potential for eye damage and so more natural light can help to reduce this potential.  

A room that has natural light needs less time spent using electric lights, which is better for the environment. Anything that helps to avoid climate change will be beneficial to your health in both the short and long term. 

At Greengates builders merchant Accrington, we are proud suppliers of roof windows and accessories from two major brands: Keylite and Velux. Please browse our website for full details of these superlative collections.