Tag: natural light

Can Infrared Technology Support Relaxation and Overall Wellness?

Published on by Nikken

Infrared technology allows people to enjoy the warmth inspired by the sun’s natural infrared energy, without being exposed to harmful ultraviolet rays. Infrared light is absorbed at the surface of the body and may support the body’s natural relaxation processes through gentle warming sensations.

Infrared technology uses specific wavelengths within the light spectrum to provide soothing warmth that can reach beyond the skin’s surface. Many people enjoy infrared experience as part of their wellness routine because they may help promote relaxation, encourage a sense of comfort after physical activity, and support an overall feeling of rejuvenation. The comforting warmth may also help ease everyday muscle tension and create a calming environment that supports stress management.

Warmth and relaxation can encourage the body to shift into a more restful state. During relaxation, breathing may slow, muscles may feel less tense, and the body can feel more at ease. Some researchers have explored how infrared exposure may support circulation and overall wellness by encouraging the body’s natural responses to heat. Increased circulation may help support the delivery of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body as part of the normal physiological function.

Traditional heat sources—like heating pads or hot packs—primarily warm the surface of the skin. Infrared warmth is often described as a deeper, more penetrating form of heat that many people find soothing and comforting. Some studies suggest infrared light may support cellular activity related to normal energy production process. This has contributed to the growing interest in infrared technology as part of wellness and recovery routines.

Infrared exposure may also help support relaxation before bedtime, which can contribute to healthy sleep habits and feelings of refreshed energy upon waking. Some people reported feeling more flexible, comfortable and physically refreshed after incorporating infrared wellness practices into their lifestyle.

One of the easiest ways to enjoy natural infrared is by spending time outdoors during sunrise or sunset for 15 to 30 minutes. These times of day provide gentle natural light and warmth without the stronger UV exposure associated with midday sun. Spending time in nature may further enhance feelings of calm and well-being.

When used as part of a balanced wellness routine, infrared warmth can be a comforting way to support relaxation, recovery, and everyday self-care.

What Does Nature Teach Us About Sleep?

Published on by Nikken

Nature teaches us that sleep is a restorative and adaptive process driven by circadian rhythms aligned with light and dark cycles. Key lessons include that bright, natural morning light resets our internal clock, darkness triggers sleep-promoting melatonin, and that natural, calming sounds combined with physical activity outdoors enhance sleep quality.

Circadian rhythms are physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow a 24-hour cycle. These natural processes respond primarily to light and dark and affect most living things, including animals, plants, and microbes. Our bodies are designed to work when it is light and rest when it is dark. Disrupting this, such as with artificial light at night, interferes with sleep quality.

“Getting out into nature and getting sunlight can help reset our circadian rhythms for the day which, in fact, can help our overall health,” explains Certified Family Physician Dr. Roopah Shah. “The circadian rhythm regulates metabolism too and just keeps us functioning optimally. There are a lot of things involved, but sleep is one of the big benefits that you get from a better circadian rhythm.”1

What else does Nature teach us? Exposure to natural light during the day (especially morning sunlight) boosts serotonin, which later converts to melatonin, signaling to the body it is time to sleep. Access to green spaces and nature helps to lower stress and reduce cortisol, which promotes uninterrupted restful sleep. Nature sounds such as waterfalls, wind or even cicadas, help promote deeper, more consistent sleep.All in all,a lifestyle that includes outdoor physical activities such as walking, hiking, swimming or boating, creates the necessary physical fatigue to ensure deep sleep.

Primitive mankind, our ancestors that go way way back in time, lived in harmony with the rest of the animal kingdom. They slept in natural environments, such as caves. In other words, their sleep patterns involved dark and quiet environments.

Our contemporary environments, in contrast, are filled with electricity and electronics and myriad sources of light. Limiting exposure to artificial light (e.g. computers and cell phones) at night and waking up to sunlight helps adjust melatonin levels to the natural cycle of the day. Melatonin is a hormone that makes you feel tired naturally when the sun goes down.

Our ancestors survived on physical labor—hunting and gathering, planting and harvesting. When the sun went down, they rested. Cooking, eating and working took place exclusively when there was light. In this way, they naturally burned calories and replaced them during the day and fasted through the night.

Although most cultures adhere to the same daytime schedule (unless you work the night shift) research shows that evening types have a general tendency to eat larger meals later in the day. The human body isn’t designed for digesting while sleeping, so eating big meals too close to bedtime can cause disruptive, restless sleep at night. Rule of thumb: if you have to eat late, choose lighter food with less protein, which takes longer to digest.

Tap into the caveman/woman in you. Get out into Nature. And sleep restfully and blissfully. Remember to check out our nature-inspired sleep products and bring the calm and comfort of the outdoors into your bedroom.

1 https://www.ssmhealth.com/newsroom/blogs/ssm-health-matters/april-2022/nature-can-reset-your-circadian-rhythm