Finally, what can patients see beyond their immediate surroundings or outside the window? Poor architecture that limits visual exposure to the outdoors reduces recovery rates and increases staff churn. Patients who have greater visual access to natural light and outdoor spaces, on the other hand, have fewer issues, and those who care for them are also happier.
In 1984, Dr. Roger Ulrich noticed that patients in hospital rooms with views of nature and water recovered faster than those who stared at a brick wall all day. The nature group used fewer medicines and were discharged faster than the other group.
However, given that three decades of research have supported Ulrich's claim, it's surprising that more hospitals haven't embraced biophilic design concepts.
The Significance of Natural Light on Patient Health
Within the healthcare sector, natural light is very important for staff efficiency, cleanliness, and patient well-being.
The Negative Effects of Artificial Lighting
Artificial lighting advancements have enabled architects to develop larger and deeper buildings with numerous enclosed regions that do not rely on natural lighting for illumination at all. While these locations are habitable, they can have a detrimental impact on general well-being and productivity, as well as a lack of efficiency.
Patients in windowless rooms frequently report increased levels of stress and, in some extreme circumstances, may be affected by Sick Building Syndrome (SBS).
The Benefits of Natural Light in Hospitals
Natural light and views from windows, on the other hand, can provide health benefits to both patients and hospital staff:
Shorten the duration of in-patient stays
According to studies, patients admitted to brighter rooms spend up to 41% less time in the hospital than those assigned to darker or windowless rooms [4]. Patients in darker rooms had a higher mortality rate.
Accelerate post-operative recovery
Patients recovering from surgery who are in rooms with lots of natural light and good views are less anxious and have lower blood pressure, which is critical for healing. Patients in windowless rooms, on the other hand, are more likely to experience depression and suffer postoperative delirium. This can cause an increase in inflammation in the body, which increases pain and makes healing more difficult.
Contribute to more effective pain alleviation
Approximately 22% of patients in bright, natural light rooms use less pain medication[2].
Boost employee morale
Employee attitudes and productivity are improved by natural illumination, providing a boost staff energy levels. Employees in a hospital with access to natural light and views of nature report lower stress levels and health-related absenteeism.
What are the Natural Lighting Levels Suitable for Hospitals?
The most essential considerations for window design are the amount of daylight that enters a space, the view, patient privacy, and proximity to the window. Patients generally prefer windows that take up at least 25% of an exterior wall, with many choosing rooms with two or more windows.
Multiple studies have found that strong lights (at least 2,500 lux) with short white or blue wavelengths are the most useful to patients. This is especially true for Alzheimer's or dementia patients, who have been proven to have less agitation later in the day and better sleep-wake cycles.
