“Sleep quality and mood significantly improved when people spent the majority of their time in a brighter, compared to dimmer, location in their homes,” said LRC researcher Charles Jarboe, who led the study. “If you can add a little more light to your space during the day — one extra lamp, or open your window shades, for example, it could help you feel better, and improve your sleep.”
That’s not to discount time outdoors under the real deal of natural light, where 1‒2 hours can make a big difference in anxiety, stress, and depression — although the benefits leveled off after two hours, the survey showed, and morning light showed the greatest benefit.
“Our results show that just one hour spent outdoors each day can help you feel your best, and can help you sleep better at night,” said LRC director Dr. Mariana Figueiro.
MARK HALPER is a contributing editor for LEDs Magazine, and an energy, technology, and business journalist ([email protected]).
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