Rays of hope

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

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.