Sunrooms have many benefits. While there are some very obvious advantages such as protection from the elements like wind and rain, as well as insects, there are also some incredible health benefits of using a sunroom; both physically and mentally.
There are many reasons why we might experience mental blocks, lack of energy and mood disturbances but some of the more common ones would be lack of Vitamin D, and an imbalance of Endorphins such as Dopamine and Serotonin. All of these are largely affected by our exposure to natural sunlight.
VITAMIN D
We all know that natural sunlight is good for us! Sunlight promotes healthy skin and strong hair as it stimulates the production of the hormone Vitamin D. Vitamin D helps to strengthen our immune system significantly reducing our risk of getting sick and developing infections. It has also been found to help strengthen bone health and enhance lung function as well. Spending even just a few minutes outside daily, including in your sunroom, can increase your Vitamin D levels significantly.
ENDORPHINES
In addition to producing Vitamin D, several additional healthy processes happen in your body when exposed to natural sunlight, such as the release of endorphins. Endorphins are neurotransmitters, aka chemical messenger, used by the nervous system, that help you to cope with pain and stress. Known as the body’s natural painkillers, they help to relieve stress and create a feeling of well-being.
DOPAMINE
Spending time in the sun can help you produce more Dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, used to send messages like how we feel pleasure. It’s often referred to as the “happy hormone”, because its release in the body results in feeling s of well-being or happiness. Dopamine is associated with feelings of rewards, motivation and productivity, thereby typically helping to boost your energy levels.
SERATONIN
Much like Dopamine, Serotonin is also a neurotransmitter or “happy hormone”. It is associated with feelings of happiness, focus and calm. Low levels of it have been found linked with mood disorders and depression, including Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). It can also affect sleep as it stimulates the parts of the brain which controls sleep and wakefulness. A lack of sunlight might trigger chemical change in your brain, affecting your serotonin and melatonin levels. Sunlight exposure can therefore help to treat symptoms of mood disorders and regulate your energy hormones.
Lack of Vitamin D, an imbalance of Endorphins such as Dopamine and Serotonin and Melatonin can all have a major impact on our mental alertness, energy levels and moods which is why the following activities when practiced in a sunroom can be found to even more beneficial by adding some natural sunlight to your life.