Light and the Indoor Pandemic

When it comes to pandemics, societies tend to focus on an exterior, pathogenic cause. Viruses, bacteria, and other environmental contaminants dominate the imagination. But there’s another pandemic our modern society doesn’t often consider: the indoor pandemic. 

What is the indoor pandemic? It’s the modern human’s tendency to live and work primarily indoors, away from the natural sunlight our ancestors soaked in on a daily basis. While modern conveniences and desk jobs bring humankind comfort and convenience, they also deprive it of the nutrients and energy natural light provides. 

Mal-Illumination: The Root Problem? 

Humans miss out on important nutrients by remaining indoors most of the time.  The late Dr. John Ott, known as the father of full-spectrum light, called this phenomenon “mal-illumination.” He is known for saying, "Mal-illumination is to light as malnutrition is to food”--a statement that has become more apparent over time.

According to Dr. Ott, an existence behind windows, glasses, windshields, and other materials that block ultraviolet light inhibits humankind’s ability to come into contact with an essential part of the spectrum. 

“It’s the real problem--the core root disease,” Dr. Ott said. “You’re not getting the light that your brain needs to do its work, to function, to feel, to think, to do. Everything you do is dependent on that light.” 

How the Sun Affects Our Wellness

The most well-known health benefit associated with sun exposure is the production of vitamin D in the body. Sunlight is the most fundamental source of vitamin D in nature, along with some foods and nutritional supplements. Vitamin D is thought to control 1,000 or more genes that influence every tissue present in the body. 

It’s possible that lack of exposure to sunlight can cause a plethora of health issues via vitamin D deficiency. In addition to contributing to the health of bones and muscles, adequate vitamin D also supports the healthy functioning of the kidneys, liver, and GI tract. Without this critical nutrient--which can’t fully be replaced without sunlight--the body becomes more vulnerable to illness. 

It is believed that consistent exposure to natural light can positively affect the natural circadian rhythm. This rhythm, in addition to the sleep cycle, has also been shown to be disrupted if a person is exposed to light when they should be sleeping. Doctors and psychiatrists prescribe light therapy for certain health conditions, such as depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), disordered sleep, jet lag, dementia, and for individuals who work the night shift. 

Sunlight and Light Therapy: Keys to Overall Wellness?  

To combat the indoor pandemic, or even pathogen-driven pandemics that we may encounter, it’s essential to focus on good health and a strong immune system. In addition to spending more time outdoors in the sunlight, it may also be important to supplement with indoor, full-spectrum light during the busy work day. Nutritional light machines could help boost intake of the nutrients we get when we spend time outdoors, mitigating the potential damage that working inside can induce. 

Visit ScienceofLight.com for more information.