Natural light vs artificial light: How their exposure affects human health

Light is an essential component of human life, influencing not only our ability to see but also our overall health and well-being. The type of light we are exposed to—natural or artificial—can have profound effects on our physical and mental health.
Our current lifestyle makes us more accessible to artificial light than natural light. The impact of light on human health is poorly understood, despite the profound impact it has.With this in mind, it is imperative to discuss what effect the types of light have on the human body.
Understanding these effects can help us make better choices about our lighting environments to optimize health outcomes.
Natural light plays a key role in regulating our circadian rhythms, the 24-hour cycles that influence sleep-wake patterns, hormone release, and other bodily functions. Exposure to natural light during the day helps maintain a healthy circadian rhythm, promoting alertness and energy during daylight hours and restful sleep at night.

Sunlight exposure is essential for the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin. Vitamin D is crucial for bone health, immune function, and mood regulation. Insufficient exposure to sunlight can lead to vitamin D deficiency, contributing to various health issues such as osteoporosis, weakened immune response, and depression.
Natural light exposure is linked to improved mood and mental well-being. Sunlight boosts the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation and feelings of happiness. This is why natural light exposure is often recommended as part of treatment for seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and other forms of depression.

Natural light helps regulate eye health by reducing the risk of myopia (nearsightedness) in children and young adults. Spending time outdoors in natural light has been shown to reduce the progression of myopia, likely due to the balanced spectrum of light and the opportunity for distance viewing.
Artificial light, while necessary in modern life, can have adverse effects on health, especially when exposure is excessive or poorly timed:
Exposure to artificial light, particularly blue light from screens and LED bulbs, during evening hours can disrupt circadian rhythms. Blue light suppresses the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for inducing sleep. This can lead to difficulties falling asleep, poor sleep quality, and other sleep disorders.
Prolonged exposure to artificial light, especially from screens and fluorescent lighting, can cause eye strain, discomfort, and dry eyes. This condition, known as computer vision syndrome, is characterized by headaches, blurred vision, and eye fatigue.
There is growing concern about the long-term health risks associated with excessive exposure to artificial light. Studies suggest links between high levels of artificial light exposure at night and an increased risk of conditions such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers. These risks are thought to arise from disrupted circadian rhythms and sleep patterns.

Lack of natural light exposure and excessive artificial light can negatively impact mental health. Insufficient exposure to natural light during the day and excessive artificial light at night can lead to mood disturbances, increased stress levels, and higher incidences of depression and anxiety.
Given the significant impacts of light exposure on health, it is important to balance natural and artificial light effectively: