Living and working in the dark

Sometimes a Solatube sun tunnel installation is impractical, but access to daylight is important for your health.

I came across this article by Sarah Garone, a nutritionist, freelance health writer, and food blogger. Whilst acknowledging the obvious health benefits of having enough daylight in your work and family life, Sarah raises the point that sometimes adding more natural light to your home or work space simply isn’t possible.

Solatube sun tunnels are certainly a fantastic way to pipe daylight in to many rooms that can’t be lit by windows. However, I have always acknowledged that, brilliant though Solatube sun tunnels are, they are not magic and there will always be some instances where it is just not feasible or practical to install a Solatube.

Fortunately, Sarah has come up with several easy work-arounds to ensure you reap the daily benefits of natural light — particularly if you are unable to have a Solatube sun tunnel installation.

Get out when you can

Break free of your four walls by taking your lunch break outside, squeezing in a morning walk before work, or winding down on your patio at the end of the day. A boost of daylight every morning can really help set you up for the day.

Exercise outdoors, or by the window at your gym

For a double whammy for your health, incorporate physical activity with access to daylight.

Exercise is known to improve mood and ‘head health’ and recent research actually links it with increased vitamin D, which we get from, you guessed it, daylight.

Supplement your D

Worldwide, it’s estimated that 1 billion people are deficient in this important nutrient — even in sunny parts of the world. Talk to your doctor if you suspect your vitamin D levels have dipped below optimal, and ask if supplementation might be right for you.

So, whilst daylight from a Solatube sun tunnel helps ensure you get your vitamin D intake, if a tubular daylight system just isn’t an option, then make sure you get your D-fix elsewhere.

Try light therapy lamp

Light therapy has a proven track record for treating the symptoms that accompany seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Some reports state it’s at least as effective as antidepressants for alleviating SAD, particularly if used first thing in the morning. Extra-bright light therapy lamps are readily available in a variety of sizes and price points.

You’ll never know if you don’t ask

Getting more natural light won’t solve all your problems but it might improve your situation just enough to make a difference.

If a lack of natural light at work is becoming a mental health burden, don’t be afraid to bring it up to your employer. Perhaps there’s a simple solution to help you soak up your daily vitamin D, like moving your desk closer to a window.

So, if a Solatube sun tunnel isn’t the solution for you, I hope the above suggestions from Sarah help ensure you get enough daylight to keep you mentally fit and healthy.

I found this article here

Sarah Garone, NDTR, is a nutritionist, freelance health writer, and food blogger. She lives with her husband and three children in Mesa, Arizona. Find her sharing down-to-earth health and nutrition info and (mostly) healthy recipes at ‘A Love Letter to Food’.

Across the south and west, Solatube Southwest is the recognised distributor and installer of Solatube sun tunnels (or light pipes), from Bournemouth down to Plymouth and beyond

If you are interested in bringing natural light into your home, why not contact us at Solatube Southwest; 07989 976 010) to find out whether a Solatube sun pipe can help you. Typically, a fully installed system might cost anywhere between £900 – £1,200; that’s supplied, professionally installed and includes the VAT.