People seem to instinctively feel a relationship between sunshine and happiness. More than 2,000 years ago, doctor and philosopher Hippocrates observed “the seasons of the year, and what effects each of them produces.” He was right that the seasons affect our moods and well-being. And if he were alive today, he might promote the use of natural light windows to boost mood.
Discovering the benefits of natural light
More recently, doctors were stumped by a persistent problem: They had patients who, for no discernible reason, suffered from depression during the winter months. Various theories were offered, but a breakthrough didn’t occur until a doctor who experienced the condition himself looked into the matter.
That doctor, Norman Rosenthal, published a paper in 1984 in which he coined the term “seasonal affective disorder.” According to Rosenthal, the diminished amounts of sunshine that we experience in winter can have a negative effect on our mental health. Although many experts scoffed at Rosenthal when his paper was published, it’s now recognized as a watershed document in the history of depression research.
Can you get sun benefits through a window?
Yes, sunlight through a window is good for you. Here are just a few benefits of letting sunlight through windows:
- You’ll sleep better: Sunlight regulates melatonin levels, which signal the brain to go to sleep at night. Morning sunlight through a window lowers melatonin, telling you to wake up.
- You’ll be healthier: Did you know that sun shining through a window can actually kill harmful bacteria? There’s even evidence that patients recover faster with access to windows with sunlight in hospitals.
- Your mood will improve: Window sunlight can also play a role in boosting serotonin, the “feel good” chemical. This is probably the main reason light through a window seems to help improve mood.
How to get more sunshine in the winter
The most obvious way to get more sun is to get outside during the day. However, you have a shorter time to accomplish this from December through March, and the weather might not cooperate. Plus, depending on where you live, it could be too cold to venture outside for more than a few minutes.
A better way to soak up the sun during wintertime is to maximize the use of natural light windows and patio doors. With today’s energy-efficient technology, you can increase the number of windows in your home without breaking the bank to pay your energy bill. Whether you choose mulled window units, a sunroom, a bay window, or moving glass walls, there are numerous ways to get sun through windows and into your space.
The more the merrier: Increasing sunshine through windows
Whoever said, “less is more” clearly wasn’t talking about sunlight. If you want sunlight coming through a window, more is more—and mulled windows could be your answer. Simply put, a mulled window unit is one that has two or more windows side by side. giving the interior space an added dose of sunlight.
A mulled unit is, in many ways, superior to one large glass window. For starters, the additional number of windows means that you have more warm-edge spacer systems in the wall, which will improve energy efficiency. What’s more, with two, three, or even four windows in the space, you create an added aesthetic that’s sure to jazz up the interior of your home while increasing its curb appeal.
If you decide to add a mulled window unit to your home, you have a slew of options at your disposal. Many people prefer a row of slider windows for a clean look. However, a series of single-hung or double-hung windows work well, too.
At MI Windows, our customers have often installed our V3000 double-hung windows in mulled units; ideal for new construction or replacement applications, the V3000 double-hung will usher in plenty of natural light through your windows.
Living in glass houses: Healthy home design with sunrooms
Why settle for a natural light window when you could have a whole room? Sunrooms have been popular for decades, and it’s not hard to see their appeal. You get tremendous views to the outside without leaving the comfort of home.
Naturally, sunrooms are a boon for people who need a mood boost. Sitting in a sunroom during the depths of winter could potentially augment your mood so you have a happier, more productive day.
The advantage of sunrooms is that they have expanded glass space on two or three sides, giving homeowners plenty of sunshine through windows. Much like mulled window units, sunrooms can work with a lot of different window styles. But to truly capitalize on the opportunity to bring more natural light into your space, you’ll want windows that boast large panels of glass.
A room by the bay: Building a healthy home with bay windows
You can also get more natural light in your home by installing a bay window, which features a large window flanked by smaller windows. Bay windows aren’t just a window with sunlight—they also double as extra interior space that can be utilized for anything.
The area around a bay window can be used as a reading nook, a home office, a place to rest or meditate, and more. However you use this additional space, the important thing is that you’ll be near a group of natural light windows. So as you read a novel or write Christmas cards, you can bask in the sunlight.
“Sliding” into the future: Patio doors for healthier homes
What if light coming through a window just won’t cut it? Luckily, manufacturers are producing ever-larger sliding patio doors onto the market. Thanks to these immense patio doors, a new term has entered the lexicon: moving glass walls. The name derives from the fact that, in some cases, these doors actually do take up the space of an entire wall.
Merging the interior with the exterior, moving glass walls are perfect for entertaining during the warmer months. In the warmer months, you’ll also get the benefits of opening windows at home, like fresh air and a nice breeze, but on a larger scale.
Of course, moving glass walls can also be a great benefit in the winter. These large modern-day patio doors bring in at least as much light as a sunroom. By sitting or working in a room with a moving glass wall system in winter, you’re sure to get a healthy dose of natural light.
At MI Windows, our largest option is the A3000 aluminum sliding patio door. The A3000 maxes out at 24 feet wide by 10 feet high. This massive door is easy to operate and available with a plethora of functional and aesthetic options. Its size alone gives it a “wow factor” that’s sure to impress your friends and neighbors.
Let there be light: Unleash the power of homes with natural light
Thanks to the work of Norman Rosenthal and countless others, we now know all the benefits of natural light. By utilizing natural light windows like mulled and bay windows, or even sliding patio doors, you can bring natural light into your space regardless of the season. Ready to see the benefits for yourself? Let there be light through a window or two. Contact an MI Windows and Doors Certified Dealer in your area, or request a quote online to get started.
