Copenhagen,
28
October
2018
|
13:27
Europe/Copenhagen

Daylight affects people’s sleep and productivity, according to global survey

Indoor Generation report highlights the importance of exposure to daylight on our circadian rhythms

A survey by YouGov amongst 16,000 people worldwide reveals that more than half (53%) believe that daylight influences their sleep and nearly two thirds (63%) believe that daylight affects their productivity. 

The global survey was commissioned as part of a report aimed at highlighting the importance of living in healthy homes and the small changes that everyone can make to improve their living environment and daily exposure to light. Initial findings from The Indoor Generation report revealed that around one fifth (18%) are spending almost all day indoors, between 21 to 24 hours. 

It’s clear that many people across the world believe that daylight has a notable impact on their sleep and productivity and it’s very likely that there’s some truth in these beliefs.  Studies have revealed that the daily light dose might be too low among people in the Western countries,
says Peter Foldbjerg, Head of Daylight, Energy and Indoor Climate at The VELUX Group.

Dr Steven Lockley, neuroscientist and associate professor at Harvard Medical School explains the impact of daylight on our brain: “Light is an acute stimulant which directly alerts the brain. If you’re exposed to brighter and bluer light in the daytime, then you get a better stimulant effect. You’ll be more alert and have better cognitive function; potentially be more productive at work and so on. If we’re thinking of offices, schools, hospitals, etc., it’s the alerting effects in the daytime which we want to take advantage of.” 

The findings support research from the World Health Organisation¹ documenting we spend up to 90% of our time indoors, isolating ourselves from nature’s vivifying sources. As a society, our always-on lifestyles are leaving precious little time to get outside and enjoy the benefits of natural light. 

As the days become shorter and colder, the importance of getting enough daylight is even more acute. A review published by the National Research Council Canada suggested that people in Western countries might not be receiving adequate exposure to daylight and this could be detrimental to our wellbeing².  

Adequate daylight during the day helps you sleep better at night 
Numerous studies have also proven the role of daylight in promoting a good night’s sleep while highlighting the negative impacts a lack of daylight has on health.  

Dr Steven Lockley, from Harvard Medical School further elaborates on the impact of daylight exposure on our 24-hour body clocks, our so-called circadian rhythm, that helps time our sleep-wake cycle: “Exposure to light-dark cycles is an absolutely crucial part of our biology and that’s due to the role of light in resetting our circadian clock each and every day. It resets our clocks to be in tune with environmental time, and light is the primary time-cue.” 

Our body clocks are informed by the different levels of daylight in a 24-hour period, we need plenty of light during the day and darkness at night to ensure a good night’s sleep. Some of the consequences caused by poor sleep include depression, diabetes, heart disease and weight gain. Other side effects linked to poor sleep include higher risk of work accidents, reduced concentration and low mood and difficulties in making decisions4. 

Daylight can also help enhance productivity 
As many as 63% of people stated in the YouGov survey that daylight influence their productivity. The link between daylight and office productivity has also been widely investigated and various studies show that daylight and a view to the outside increase performance at work. 

Workers in a call centre were processing calls 6% to 12% faster when they had the best possible view versus those with no view³. Other office workers, meanwhile, were found to perform 10% to 25% better on tests of mental function and memory recall when they had the best possible view versus those with no view.

One relevant question to raise, with these findings in mind and the fact that personnel costs typically account for 90% of a business’ operating costs: Do the offices and schools offer the right thinking-environment that boosts the performance of employees and children’s learning?
concludes Peter Foldbjerg.

Top tips for improving your sleep  

  • Increased exposure to daylight will help you sleep better at night, sitting near a window at work or school and making an effort to get outside more will also help with this  

  • Eliminate light from the outside to enter your bedroom at night  

  • Sleep in a cooler bedroom  

  • Avoid looking at electronic devices (TVs, smartphones / tablets) which distribute blue light before going to sleep – this can trick the brain into staying alert at the wrong time of day 

  • Establish a good bed time routine – read a book instead of having more screen time 

  • Give children a red or orange night light if they are afraid of the dark as these are the least disruptive to sleep 

About the VELUX Group

About the VELUX Group

For more than 80 years, the VELUX Group has created better living environments for people around the world; making the most of daylight and fresh air through the roof. Our product programme includes roof windows and modular skylights, decorative blinds, sun screening products and roller shutters, as well as installation and smart home solutions. These products help to ensure a healthy and sustainable indoor climate, for work and learning, for play and pleasure. We work globally – with sales and manufacturing operations in more than 36 countries and around 11,000 employees worldwide. The VELUX Group is owned by VKR Holding A/S, a limited company wholly owned by non-profit, charitable foundations (THE VELUX FOUNDATIONS) and family. In 2022, the VELUX Group had total revenue of EUR 2.99 billion, VKR Holding had total revenue of EUR 4.29 billion, and THE VELUX FOUNDATIONS donated EUR 181 million in charitable grants.

For more information about VELUX Group, visit velux.com.