The Hidden Health Effects of Spending Too Much Time Indoors
Experts draw attention to the biological and mental risks that individuals who spend a large portion of their day at home and indoors may face.
While research in the U.S. shows that a large majority of adults spend very little time outdoors during the week, experts have shared the negative effects of indoor living on the body clock and metabolism.
Disruption of the Body Clock
Natural light outdoors is among the strongest signals that regulate the human body's biological clock. The lack of this signal can directly lead to disruptions in sleep patterns.
Screen Time Is Not Considered Rest
Experts compare time spent in front of screens to processed time, emphasizing that the body does not perceive this as rest. This situation can increase burnout.
Brain Fog and Carbon Dioxide
Increased carbon dioxide levels in enclosed and poorly ventilated environments constitute the biological reason for the brain fog and low cognitive performance felt in the afternoon.
Disruption of the Stress Hormone Rhythm
The loss of function in the biological clock directly affects the body's normal cortisol rhythm. Natural daylight received in the morning supports the increase in cortisol needed for alertness.
17 Minutes a Day as a Solution
Experts state that spending at least 17 minutes a day consciously in blue or green spaces and looking at the morning sky can reduce these negative effects.