It is a typical day as a student in class, you are trying to pry your eyelids from each other, so you ask to step outside, and as soon as you do you feel more awake. Have you ever wondered why that is? Well, the answer may be artificial lighting in the room. Artificial lighting has many negative effects on people exposed to it for long periods. Students spend hours in class, that is why classrooms should find ways to bring in more natural light. 

Natural light has many benefits that can improve health and wellness. Natural light reduces headache and eyestrain commonly associated with artificial lighting. Healthline’s article “What Are the Benefits of Sunlight” shares when in an environment with blue light serotonin is produced, boosting a student’s mood and helping them feel calm and focused. When a student is feeling well, they will perform well in school. 

Introducing natural light in the classroom has the ability to boost the student’s productivity. Studies at UC Davis show that blue light is produced by the sun, and it slows the production of melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone produced by the brain that encourages sleep. When the production of melatonin slows it will allow the students to feel livelier, they will interact with their peers, complete work, and engage in classroom activities more. The boosts in productivity can raise grades and help lower the students’ stress levels.  

The use of artificial lights in large buildings is a cost-efficient way to provide light. For example, LED lights are commonly installed, and they are the best man-made lights if sunlight is not easily available, they are a close second. Unnatural light sources may be more reliable and cost less than installing windows, but it has some negative effects on humans.

In his article on lighting solutions from fullspectrumsolutions.com, Laurence D. Martel states, “The use of florescent lights which is what many schools/businesses use cause bodily stress, anxiety, hyperactivity, attention problems, and other distress leading to poor learning performance.”  The negative effects should be a clear sign that natural lighting is beneficial to students, teachers, and all other staff.  

I encourage students, teachers, and staff to introduce sunlight into your day. You can open blinds, doors, or even sit outside in your free time. The time you spend in the natural light may help you feel a bit better.