A study conducted by neuroscientists at the University of Manchester has shown that exposure to light during the day is directly linked to improved cognitive performance. The findings, published in the journal Communications Psychology, confirm that light plays a much larger role in our productivity than previously thought.
The researchers established that exposure to daylight improves:
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Reaction Speed: Study participants demonstrated 7–10% higher speed while performing tasks;
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Concentration: Participants showed an improved ability to maintain attention;
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Alertness: Subjective feelings of sleepiness were reduced.
According to the study’s authors, the effect is particularly strong when light exposure is stable throughout the day, without frequent transitions from bright to dark environments.
The research also highlighted several important patterns, one of which concerns sleep schedules. It was found that people who go to bed early are much more alert in morning light, while relatively dim lighting in the evening allows them to fall asleep more naturally and quickly.
Particularly interesting is the factor of the work environment. Scientists found that the impact of lighting on cognitive abilities is much stronger than the time of day itself or the amount of time a person has been awake. This means that proper lighting can even override the effects of fatigue.
Furthermore, consistency is of decisive importance. The best results are achieved by maintaining stable lighting throughout the week and continuous exposure to bright light during the day. Conversely, frequent alternation between light and dark negatively impacts mental productivity.
Consequently, scientists advise that we should try to stay in natural or bright artificial light as much as possible during the day. This simple habit helps our brain function in an optimal mode throughout the day and helps us avoid low energy levels.
