At times we can take for granted how valuable pure light is for mental strength. Consider the daylight savings we begrudgingly follow every year. This is done for a reason. Allow us to explain why light is so useful for many things ranging from focus to sleep.
Our alertness is affected by light and lack of light. This is because of our circadian rhythm; which we will explain more later.
Exposure to light exposes the human body to nutrients and vitamins we need for health. You may have previously heard of exposure to the sun creating vitamin D. It is true. When we are in the sun our bodies absorb vitamin D.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that when absorbed retains properties such as calcium and phosphorus. This is what helps to build bone in the body. Vitamin D has also been known to reduce the growth of cancer cells, control infections and also reduce inflammation.
Exposure to light and its relationship with focus
The presence of light has been known to affect the effectiveness of work ethic and much more. Why is this? Let us explain.
When light is present, regions in our brains are activated. When this happens we are more alert. It helps in all areas of:
- Memory
- Mood
- Brain Health
- Focus/concentration
Studies have been performed in which the brightness of light impacts the productivity of classrooms. Specifically, an abstract done by researchers dealing with LED light presence in the classroom led to; “…LED focus lighting led to a higher percentage increase in oral reading fluency performance (36%) compared to control lighting (17%).”
Light triggers our circadian rhythm to operate correctly. What is the circadian rhythm? The circadian rhythm is the inner clock that we all have that takes place over a 24-hour period. It is what helps us to wake up and fall asleep every day.
Without the circadian rhythm, our sleep habits, mood and so much more would be thrown off. We always mention how important it is to experience 8 hours of sleep. This is a crucial part of our circadian rhythm.
When the sun rises, we wake up and start the day. The National Institute of Health published a study where they studied the link between the presence of light and its effect on attention and reaction time.
The results concluded what you would think! “Based on the results, the lights with shorter wavelengths, higher intensity, and higher color temperature led to suppressed melatonin, higher consciousness, less somnolence, increased attention, and faster reaction time.”
Consider the struggle many go through when traveling to a place where there is a time difference. Many resolve the problem of awakeness by exposing and limiting themselves to light. Products even exist to stimulate light therapy to aid in alertness and increase positive mood.
How does focus contribute to sleep?
It may sound like it wouldn’t relate because how much focus do you need to sleep? Well, switching the mindset, focus helps to perform tasks better which in turn will leave time and room for adequate sleep.
Consider a full day of productivity. How often do you encounter days when your schedule is full and you complete every task on your list? If often, then you are already on a great track. For those that do not experience this often, when completed it resolves feelings of “I need to do this and this tomorrow,” which can negatively influence sleep.
Focus helps to center goals as well. For instance, if you have a goal to exercise more, with focus this will be done and then you will have exhausted yourself enough for sleep.
Often at night a lot of us fall into the hands of technology. When waiting to feel tired enough to sleep, we play around on our devices. What some may not know is that this is damaging to the sleep schedule.
This form of light affects the rate at which you fall asleep; this is not the pure light we mention in the beginning. It is best to set aside your devices at least 30 minutes before bed.
If you need something to activate your mind enough to fall asleep, stimulate your brain with a book, puzzle, or maybe even a light exercise. This will help to lead the body to tiredness to eventually get that needed sleep.
For added help with sleep, consider a drug-free, non-habit-forming supplement like Relaxium Sleep. This supplement is designed to help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up feeling refreshed and alert.
Activities to expose yourself to helpful light
If you enjoy being outside, this is the perfect section for you. After all, we need this exposure to the sun to get the vitamins we need.
Some fun activities to do this could be:
- Gardening
- Walking on a trail
- Playing a sport outside
- Walking a pet
- Shopping at outside vendors
All of these require you to be outside which exposes the body to the sun. Have you ever wondered just how the sun created vitamin D in the body?
Well, when skin is exposed, the sun’s ultraviolet rays interact with a protein in the skin called “7-DHC.” When this happens the protein is converted to vitamin D3.
All of these will also increase your physical activity which is great for your health. This is especially great to help if seeking improvements in:
- Mood
- Focus/concentration
- Muscle strength
- Weight loss goals
Though the sun is helpful you must still protect the body
Too much exposure to the sun without protection can be damaging to the body. Skin damage and even cancer can be a result of too much exposure to sunlight. To avoid this:
- Limit the amount of time in the sun
- Wear protection when in the sun (sunscreen, clothing, hats, etc)
- Hydrate
To avoid excess exposure to the sun but still maintain focus, consider Relaxium Focus Max. This safe and effective supplement was designed to promote sharper focus, boost brain performance, and supply vital nutrients to the body.
Utilize the sun’s rays to your advantage
The natural light from the sun is a great tool to use for better focus. Better focus leads to better habits which help in areas we need such as sleep. Consider being outside more often to receive the benefits of nature around us.
For more information about the importance of focus and sleep visit our website here. Or consider our 30-day risk-free trial here at TryRelaxium.
To restful and healthy days ahead.
The Relaxium Team
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Sources:
https://www.walalight.com/illuminating-the-effects-of-dynamic-lighting-on-student-learning/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8957666/