"We tend to think that because we can see clearly in a space, we're getting enough light for the biological clock, and in general, we're not." Some may feel less energized or have a hard time focusing without access to sunshine, especially if their sleep routine is being affected. "Light is just like diet and exercise it's something we need for optimal health," Figueriro explains. Mariana Figueiro, an architecture professor and director of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's Lighting Research Center, tells Good Housekeeping that a lack of exposure to sunlight can produce varying effects on people in all seasons (even though SAD primarily affects people in the winter). Light therapy is rapidly coming into focus for health professionals as more patients spend time indoors and in front of electronics for work, away from natural light that is meant to guide our routines. But many people don't know they're already prescribing to tentpoles of modern light therapy like drawing oneself to a sunny window to help make yourself more alert, or heading outside to take in your surroundings when you're feeling down. Most people stumble upon light therapy after they've heard about seasonal affective disorder, otherwise known as SAD, or because they're interested in the role that blue light and electronic glare play in sleep.
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