Rays of hope
Healthcare Radius|March 2023
Deviating from the traditional tightly closed-rooms, top hospitals in India are opening doors (and windows and fenestrations) to natural light for rapid patient recovery
Rays of hope

A famous Biblical phrase in the third verse of the Book of Genesis reads: "And God said, Let there be light: and there was light." This verse highlights the importance of light, the primordial energy source that nature has gifted us.

Natural light is a fundamental aspect of all life on earth. But due to a highly urban-influenced living, we humans often ignore its significance. Daylight can have a profound impact on our overall well-being, especially in situations where we may be feeling unwell or in need of recovery. This is particularly true for patients inside hospitals, where access to natural light can significantly improve their recovery process. In this article, we will explore the role of natural light in patient recovery inside a hospital.

Data on daylight

There is a lot of research data on the importance of natural light. Early research trials show that patients placed near the window have a shorter hospital stay than those away from windows. Access to natural light in patient areas can expedite healing and recovery rates due to several benefits.

These include better sleep and circadian rhythm, pain management, reduced stress, and improved satisfaction and mood. Studies show that patients exposed to at least three hours of natural light daily have lower stress levels and higher satisfaction compared to those in windowless rooms. Analgesic use decreases in patients undergoing elective cervical and lumbar spinal surgeries or post-labor recoveries.

According to researchers ChoulGyun Chai and Man Young Park from Kwangwoon University, South Korea, and Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, South Korea, respectively, natural daylight has a positive effect on the process of recovery of hospitalized patients. It also helps shorten the duration of their hospital stay.

This story is from the March 2023 edition of Healthcare Radius.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the March 2023 edition of Healthcare Radius.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HEALTHCARE RADIUSView All
SpOvum launches Al-powered platform to boost patient support in assisted reproductive technology
Healthcare Radius

SpOvum launches Al-powered platform to boost patient support in assisted reproductive technology

The platform offers personalized information based on individual ART-related concerns, drawing from reliable, indexed medical guides to provide fact-based, tailored answers.

time-read
1 min  |
December 2024
Hearzap launches Al-powered Philips HearLink 50 miniRITE
Healthcare Radius

Hearzap launches Al-powered Philips HearLink 50 miniRITE

The company is projected to expand across 250 stores by 2026 and envisions accessible and affordable hearing care across the country.

time-read
1 min  |
December 2024
Red.Health launches Al-driven medical emergency platform
Healthcare Radius

Red.Health launches Al-driven medical emergency platform

In medical emergencies, every second matters but the current emergency medical systems face many challenges

time-read
1 min  |
December 2024
OmniActive acquires ENovate Biolife
Healthcare Radius

OmniActive acquires ENovate Biolife

The company aims to double its top line, targeting Rs 2,000 crores within the next 5 to 6 years from the present Rs 1,000 crores.

time-read
1 min  |
December 2024
5-year-old fish bone removed from 61-year-old's abdomen
Healthcare Radius

5-year-old fish bone removed from 61-year-old's abdomen

The patient had previously undergone an endoscopic procedure five years ago at another hospital to remove a fishbone, but the current one had likely been missed at that time.

time-read
1 min  |
December 2024
Large brain aneurysm treated using advanced stenting method
Healthcare Radius

Large brain aneurysm treated using advanced stenting method

Aneurysm is a bulge or ballooning in a blood vessel of the brain. It’s often described as looking like a berry hanging on a stem.

time-read
1 min  |
December 2024
37-year-old pregnant woman treated for aggressive breast cancer
Healthcare Radius

37-year-old pregnant woman treated for aggressive breast cancer

Given the complexity of her condition, the team worked closely to develop a treatment plan that would balance the needs of both mother and babies.

time-read
1 min  |
December 2024
45-year-old treated with robotic-assisted hernia surgery
Healthcare Radius

45-year-old treated with robotic-assisted hernia surgery

This surgery marks a significant milestone for Park Hospital, which has successfully completed 50 robotic-assisted procedures.

time-read
1 min  |
December 2024
Healthium Medtech, Healthcare Sector Skill Council (HSSC) sign MoU to boost skill development in Indian healthcare
Healthcare Radius

Healthium Medtech, Healthcare Sector Skill Council (HSSC) sign MoU to boost skill development in Indian healthcare

Healthium and HSSC will collaborate to deliver training programs aimed at skilling, reskilling and upskilling healthcare workers, enabling them to address evolving challenges in the field.

time-read
1 min  |
December 2024
Advanced ambulance fleet launched for Maharashtra's emergency services
Healthcare Radius

Advanced ambulance fleet launched for Maharashtra's emergency services

The announcement comes amid ongoing bilateral meetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchéz Perez Castejon of Spain.

time-read
1 min  |
December 2024