Why Window Access Matters for Office Workers
Most people do not think much about the windows in their workplace, but daylight plays a real role in health. A study comparing office workers with windows versus those in windowless rooms showed clear differences in sleep, energy and overall well-being.
Why Window Access Matters for Office Workers
Most people do not think much about the windows in their workplace, but daylight plays a real role in health. A study comparing office workers with windows versus those in windowless rooms showed clear differences in sleep, energy and overall well-being.
More Daylight Means More Light Exposure
The workers who sat near windows were exposed to much more daylight during work hours. Their actigraphy data showed a large gap in total light exposure, with the window group receiving about one and a half times more bright light than the windowless group. This is important because daylight is needed for the absorption of Vitamin D in the body.
Better Sleep for the Windowed Group
Sleep was one of the most noticeable differences. During the workweek, employees with windows slept about forty six minutes longer each night. This was measured with actigraphy, so it reflected actual sleep patterns rather than self-reported impressions.
Health and Vitality Differences
The study used standard questionnaires that measured quality of life and sleep quality. The windowed group scored higher in vitality, showing better daytime energy.
The windowless group reported poorer sleep quality across several areas, including sleep efficiency and daytime functioning. They also had lower physical health scores and more limitations in daily activities due to physical problems.
Why Light Likely Drives These Effects
Daylight helps regulate the body’s natural clock. When workers spend most of the day without access to natural light, their circadian rhythm can become misaligned. This can lead to shorter sleep, lower energy and poorer well-being over time.
What This Means for Office Design
The study highlights how important daylight is in the workplace. Access to windows is not just about comfort. It may support better sleep, higher vitality and healthier daily functioning.
For workers in windowless spaces, spending time outdoors during breaks or stepping outside for short periods can help increase daylight exposure and support better sleep.
Sources:
ResearchGate: Impact of Windows and Daylight Exposure on Overall Health and Sleep Quality of Office Workers: A Case-Control Pilot Study
Check out what Brandon Luu, MD has to say about how windowless office spaces can impact your health:
https://x.com/BrandonLuuMD/status/1990910012483313924
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