Buzz
We often don’t realize how much light affects our mood, but if you notice yourself feeling uplifted on bright days or more inspired when the lights are dim, it’s not just by chance. The type of light we encounter can significantly influence our emotional well-being. Here are six ways light can impact your emotions.
1. BRIGHT LIGHT CAN AMPLIFY EMOTIONS.
Brighter lighting can make both positive and negative emotions feel more intense. In a 2014 experiment, volunteers were asked to rate the aggressiveness of a fictional person, the attractiveness of three women, and the appeal of various spicy wing sauces. Additionally, they were asked to share their feelings about a range of positive, negative, and neutral words. Overall, those in brightly lit rooms judged the character as more aggressive and the women as more attractive compared to those in dimmer rooms. They also preferred spicier wing sauces and had stronger emotional reactions to the words. Both positive and negative feelings were heightened under brighter lighting.
2. BLUE LIGHT CAN BOOST OUR ENERGY …
Exposure to blue light during the daytime can give us a surge of energy and enhance our focus. A recent study revealed that participants exposed to short-wavelength, high-energy blue light performed better: They completed cognitive tasks faster and with more accuracy than those in the control group. The benefits of blue light weren’t limited to the duration of exposure – participants remained more alert even for up to 30 minutes after the exposure ended.
3. … BUT IT CAN BE TROUBLESOME AT NIGHT.
While blue light helps us stay energized during the day, it can interfere with our sleep at night. Exposure to blue light from devices like smartphones and laptops before bedtime inhibits the production of melatonin, the hormone that promotes sleep, making it harder for us to fall asleep. As many of us have experienced, sleep deprivation can lead to a range of emotional and physical issues, including poor judgment, increased stress, and elevated blood pressure. So, while blue light can help kickstart your day, consider turning off your laptop a few hours before bedtime.
4. NATURAL LIGHT MAY IMPROVE YOUR MOOD …
Catching some natural sunlight during the day can make a significant difference. A 2014 study showed that people with windows in their office exercised more, slept longer (on average, an extra 46 minutes per night!), and experienced a greater sense of overall wellbeing compared to those working in windowless offices. Researchers suggest that exposure to natural light helps regulate our circadian rhythms, allowing us to know when to feel awake and energetic and when to feel sleepy.
5. … AND IT MAY HELP EASE DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS.
Natural light could also play a role in reducing symptoms of depression. In a 2013 study, people with both vitamin D deficiencies and depression experienced relief from depressive symptoms after seven weeks of increased sunlight exposure (mainly through more outdoor time). A follow-up 2015 study confirmed these results. In this study, participants received light therapy, which involves regular exposure to lamps that mimic natural sunlight, and it was found to be significantly more effective when combined with antidepressants than when using antidepressants alone. While light therapy isn’t a cure for depression, researchers believe it may be a valuable tool in alleviating symptoms.
6. LIGHT CAN EVEN IMPACT YOUR APPETITE.
Research has shown that light influences not only how much we eat, but also how quickly we eat, what foods we crave, and even how we perceive the flavors of our food. Generally, in dimmer restaurants with softer lighting, we tend to eat more slowly and consume less food. However, darker lighting may also lead to an increased likelihood of ordering unhealthy options. Researchers believe this happens because the relaxed atmosphere makes us less alert and more likely to make food choices without considering their nutritional value, while also encouraging us to enjoy a more leisurely dining experience.
Light doesn’t just influence what we eat—it can even alter how we perceive the taste of things. A 2009 study, for example, discovered that the background lighting in a setting affected how much participants enjoyed a specific brand of wine, likely due to the way various types of light changed the wine's color.
