Clock Change Threatens Mental Wellbeing

Limited Natural Light Harming Wellbeing for Fifth of Brits

• Brits are three times more likely to believe their home is bad for their mental wellbeing if they have a lack of natural light
• People with poor natural light at home are 10% less likely to get a good night’s sleep
• Over half of Brits living with low levels of natural light are planning a house move or renovation within the next 12 months
• Google searches for ‘bright interiors’ spike ahead of clocks going back this weekend

Britain is facing a mental health crisis caused by a lack of natural light in homes this winter as the clocks go back this weekend.

According to new research, those with limited natural light at home generally rate their physical and mental wellbeing lower than those with ample natural light in their properties. In fact, those with low levels of natural light are three times more likely to believe their home is bad for their mental wellbeing and 18 percent believe it is bad for their physical health.

This lack of natural light impacts all aspects of life, including sleep quality. The survey, which was conducted amongst British adults, revealed that people living in homes with low levels of natural light are 10 percent less likely to get a good night’s sleep.

The research, which was conducted by leading window and door brand, Origin, found that basement flats, which notoriously lack natural light, are the worst for both physical and mental wellbeing.  

By contrast, people who live in farmhouses and detached homes, which tend to be light and airy spaces, are the most likely to be happy with their home.

The effects of a lack of natural light has been exacerbated by the rise in remote working which has led to many Brits spending more time in their homes than ever before. Those with dull and dark homes are twice as likely to dislike spending time at home. They are also less able to focus, which can have a severe impact when working from home.

Commenting on the findings, Ben Brocklesby, Director at Origin, said: “Our findings show the importance of natural light for our mental and physical wellbeing, with our exposure to daylight affecting all aspects of our health, even our sleeping patterns.

“The data reveals that those who live with poor natural light are three times more likely to believe our home is bad for our wellbeing, a challenge that is only set to worsen over winter as our access to daylight is limited. To help protect our physical and mental wellbeing we must prioritise working in light and airy spaces, but that is a difficult task when our homes aren’t built to maximise natural light.”

To find out more, visit https://origin-global.com/.