The effect of light on the functioning of the human body - why is natural lighting so important?
The effects of natural, sunlight on the human body are invaluable. We need the sun's rays to live as much as we need air or water. Physiologically, humans are active during the day and their bodies, 'sensing' dusk falling, naturally seek rest and sleep.
On autumn, winter and cloudy days, we are often far less active than during the long, sunny days of summer. The lack of natural light has a negative impact on our wellbeing, drains us of much of our energy and makes us lethargic, sluggish and less productive both at home and at work.
Sunlight and health: Melatonin and Vitamin D
When our natural diurnal cycle is disrupted and the body is not sufficiently exposed to daylight, the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates the diurnal rhythm, is inhibited.
Lack of melatonin = lack of sleep: A deficiency of this hormone causes sleep disturbances, chronic fatigue, increases stress and, in extreme cases, can cause depressive states.
Vitamin D biosynthesis: Sunlight acting directly on the skin has a huge impact on vitamin D production. It has a salutary effect on the proper functioning of the human defence mechanisms and immune system.
Natural light in the home - how much glazing do we need?
No artificial lighting, not even the most sophisticated, can fully replace natural light. Having a lot of glazing in the home definitely improves the quality of life for the occupants - especially in the areas where we spend most time. What is more, natural light is not tiring and does not damage the eyesight (hence the common habit of placing desks in children's rooms right under the windows).
**How to calculate the required window area ** When estimating the amount of glazing, rooms are divided into two categories:
Partments intended for permanent human habitation (more than 2 hours a day, e.g. living room, bedroom, children's room) - the ratio of glazing area to floor area should be at least 1:8.
Partments for occasional stay (e.g. bathroom, dressing room, garage) - the required ratio is 1:12.
Tip: Building standards are worth treating as an absolute minimum. It often turns out that we need considerably more light for complete comfort. 👉 Here is an easy way to calculate the suggested glazing size - link space]
How to light up the attic? Roof windows and windows for flat roofs
What if the building structure does not allow the insertion of a traditional façade window? If the room is on the top floor, the ideal solution is to buy and install a roof window. The spectrum of possibilities today is enormous.
1. Matching the roof pitch
Sloping roofs: Standard roof windows are usually installed on roofs with a pitch of 15° to 90° (there are also solutions for installation as low as 5°).
Flat roofs: For modern buildings with a flat roof, dedicated flat roof windows are used, which can be installed safely and tightly even with a minimum pitch of just 2°.
2. Choice of frame material
Once the parameters of the roof have been established, the window should be chosen to match the character of the room:
** Wooden windows:** Perfect for bedrooms, living rooms or corridors, they bring a natural, warm atmosphere to the interior.
PVC windows: Indispensable in rooms with increased humidity, such as kitchens or attic bathrooms, where they show full resistance to water.
3. Parameters you need to pay attention to
When choosing a window for the attic, it is important to pay attention to the heat transfer coefficient (Uw) - the lower it is, the better the window protects against the escape of heat in winter. An extremely important advantage is also the integrated air vents, which allow for proper air circulation and exchange even when the window is closed.
Enlightened design and "hormone of happiness"
In addition to the beneficial physiological effects, our well-being is influenced by the entirety of the space around us: colours, furniture, the ergonomic layout of the room or our favourite accessories.
Modern roof windows (especially designer windows for flat roofs) become an integral part of the design. They please the eye with their minimalist form and allow the sun's rays to freely penetrate the interior throughout the day. The sum total of the benefits of natural lighting in the home directly stimulates the production of serotonin - commonly known as the happiness hormone. So when decorating your home, let's not only care about aesthetics, but also about the health of the whole family!