Let There Be Light: The Healing Power of Sunlight in Hospital Settings
Introduction
It was a typical afternoon, around 3 PM, when I found myself in the waiting room of a hospital near my home. I was there to visit a relative, and like most of us, I had grown accustomed to the usual sights and sounds of such places: the hushed conversations, the occasional beep of medical equipment, and the palpable tension in the air as patients and their families waited, often impatiently, for their turn.
But that day, something was different.
As the sun began its descent, casting a warm, golden hue over the city, I noticed the hospital’s expansive windows. They weren’t just architectural marvels; they were portals, allowing that mesmerizing golden light to flood the room.
I glanced around, expecting to see the usual signs of impatience and anxiety. But instead, I was met with a surprising sight. People seemed… calmer. There was a tranquility in the air, a stark contrast to the usual atmosphere of hospital waiting rooms. Conversations were softer, smiles more frequent, and the weight of waiting seemed to have lightened.
It got me thinking:
Could it be the sunlight? Was there something about this natural light that was influencing our moods and perceptions?
Intrigued, I delved into research. And what I discovered not only confirmed my hunch but also revealed the profound impact of sunlight on our well-being, especially in clinical settings.
The history of sunlight in healthcare
The use of daylight in healthcare settings isn’t a new concept — it’s been in use for centuries, but that knowledge extinguished as the Roman empire fell and the Dark Ages arrived.
In the 19th century, luminaries like Florence Nightingale reignited an appreciation for the therapeutic powers of sunlight. The medical world, by the 1900s started becoming familiar with the term heliotherapy as sunlight became the beacon of hope in treating ailments like tuberculosis (TB), jaundice and rickets.
The 1930s saw a rise in the use of air-conditioners and fluorescent lighting in hospital settings. Architects started moving towards building deeper and more complex structures which would inevitably be devoid of natural light. Coupled with medical advancements and the rise of antibiotics, the sun’s healing touch was overshadowed once again.
Fast forward 70 years — we’re encased in buildings that thrive on artificial light, often at the cost of our own health and well-being. The repercussions? A surge in stress and the ominous phenomenon of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)
With the rise of SBS and daylight deprivation, architects and engineers are rekindling their interest in daylight-infused, sustainable designs. But it’s a delicate balance.
While daylight offers undeniable benefits, concerns about excessive solar exposure, like skin cancer risks, loom large. As we champion solar architecture, it’s vital to differentiate between the boon of natural light and the risks of solar radiation. Thankfully, with advancements like modern glazing filtering harmful UVs, we’re poised to capture the best of both worlds.
The impact of daylight
We can already see that natural lighting can transform hospital and healthcare settings. Let’s talk about the impact it has and the role it plays in improving the outcomes.
Impact on average length of in-patient stay
A 2012 study by Choi et al. unveiled a striking discovery: patients in southeast-facing rooms, bathed in morning sunlight, were discharged up to 41% faster than those in dimmer, northwest-facing rooms. The study further emphasized the potency of morning light, suggesting that the high illuminance during this time offers more physiological benefits than afternoon light.
Anjali Joseph’s 2006 review found that female heart patients in sunny rooms recovered a whole day faster (2.3 days) than those in dull rooms (3.3 days). Even more, sunlit rooms had lower mortality rates. In essence, the brighter the room, the better the recovery.
Furthermore, another study cited by Joseph revealed that medical centers in sunnier, warmer, and drier climates experienced shorter patient stays.
These studies underscore a simple yet profound truth: access to daylight isn’t just a luxury in healthcare settings; it’s a catalyst for faster healing and improved patient outcomes.
Impact on post operative recovery
The journey to recovery post-surgery is as much a mental endeavor as it is a physical one.
Edwards and Torcellini’s literature review underscores a pivotal finding: daylight doesn’t just illuminate rooms; it brightens mental well-being, catalysing faster recovery rates.
Intensive Care Units (ICUs) which are a nerve centre of stress, for both patients and workers, stand to gain immensely from this natural elixir.
Wilson’s studies show that windowless ICUs show 2x the amount of cases for post operative delirium and depression.
Why is this?
Windows offer more than just a view; they provide a psychological escape, a beacon of balance in an otherwise taxing environment. In essence, the presence of windows and natural light isn’t just an architectural choice; it’s a lifeline for faster and healthier recovery in hospitals.
Impact on pain relief
The therapeutic power of sunlight extends beyond mood enhancement and faster recovery; it plays a pivotal role in pain management.
A landmark study from the Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine in 1995 unveiled a compelling correlation: patients exposed to more natural sunlight post spinal surgery not only felt better but also consumed 22% less opioid pain relief medication. This wasn’t just a win for their well-being; it translated to a 21% reduction in medication costs.
In essence, sunlight doesn’t just brighten hospital rooms; it alleviates pain, reducing the reliance on pharmaceutical interventions.
Impact on depression and depressive illnesses
Sunlight isn’t just about brightening our day; it’s a powerful tool in the fight against depression.
Bright light has been a game-changer for those battling bipolar disorder or the winter blues, known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
While artificial lights have their place, nothing beats the real deal. Two studies have shown that good old-fashioned sunlight is just as effective in lifting spirits.
Benedetti and team discovered that bipolar patients in rooms catching the morning sun left the hospital almost 4 days earlier than those in rooms catching the evening sun.
In short, when it comes to battling depression, the early sun might just be the best medicine.
Impact on stress and agitation levels
The evidence is clear: dimly lit environments can ramp up stress and agitation levels.
Researchers saw that elderly patients with dementia experienced a remarkable change when exposed to bright morning light. Just 2 hours of 2,500 lux exposure in the morning over two 10-day stints led to a noticeable drop in their agitation. And the difference was stark; on days without this light treatment, their agitation levels shot up.
Impact on hygiene and hospital acquired infections
Research has spotlighted the remarkable ability of daylight, especially the blue spectrum, to decimate the bacteria streptococci. While artificial light tried to compete, it barely made a dent as a disinfectant.
Here’s a striking example:
Even when daylight was diffused through two layers of glass from a north-facing window, it managed to annihilate haemolytic streptococci in just 13 days. In contrast, the same bacteria thrived in the dark for a whopping 195 days.
Now, consider the notorious hospital super-bugs like methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). These bacteria are becoming alarmingly resilient against standard antibiotics. Given daylight’s prowess against streptococci, one can’t help but wonder:
Could it be the secret weapon against these super-bugs?
It’s high time we delve deeper into daylight’s potential as a natural disinfectant in hospitals.
Impact on obesity and heart disease
Morbidly obese individuals often miss out on sunlight, leading to a Vitamin D deficiency. Research suggests that as Vitamin D drops, our body stores more fat. Moreover, limited sunlight has been linked to depression, which could further impact obesity.
But there’s more. Hobday’s book, “The Light Revolution,” hints at sunlight’s potential role in heart health. He suggests that just like antidepressants help with depression, sunlight might prevent heart attacks.
In short, embracing more sunlight could be a game-changer for both mental well-being and physical health.
Conclusion
As I sat in that hospital waiting room, bathed in the golden embrace of the setting sun, I could never have imagined the profound journey of discovery it would lead me on. From the corridors of history to the cutting-edge research of today, the transformative power of sunlight in healthcare settings is undeniable.
Whether it’s hastening recovery, alleviating pain, combating depression, or even potentially warding off super-bugs, the sun’s rays offer a plethora of benefits that go beyond mere illumination.
In our modern world, where technology often overshadows nature, the simple, age-old gift of sunlight stands out as a beacon of hope. It’s not just about the warmth or the brightness; it’s about the tangible, healing effects that can touch every individual, from the youngest child to the eldest patient.
As we envision the future of healthcare, let’s not forget this radiant ally, ensuring that our medical spaces are not just built but are illuminated with purpose and health in mind.
Thank you for reading, from someone who just started practicing the skill of writing, I appreciate it.
I am Gauransh Arora. A unique blend of a doctor and designer thriving at the crossroads of healthcare and design innovation.
I talk about AI, technology and design in healthcare and much more. Connect with me over LinkedIn if this is something that interests you.
Looking forward to connecting with you and I hope you have a beautiful sunny day!
