Darkness for Well-Being

If you’ve ever stood under the stars and taken a deep breath, you might have noticed the therapeutic effects of natural darkness. Research has shown that connecting with nature has many positive benefits, like greater mental and physical well-being, enhanced quality of life, increased satisfaction, and a decreased risk of depression.

Exposure to light at night has been proven to impact our mental health negatively. An October 2023 paper published in the journal Nature Mental Health showed findings from the largest-ever study (86,000+ participants) on nighttime light exposure from light pollution. Participants wore a triaxial accelerometer on their wrists containing a silicon photodiode light sensor to measure their light exposure over seven days. The study found that exposure to light at night disrupts circadian rhythms and increases the risk for psychiatric disorders and depression. The paper stated that “the simple practice of avoiding light at night and seeking brighter light during the day could be an effective, non-pharmacological means of reducing serious mental health issues.”

One of the main ways that light pollution harms the human body is by disrupting the circadian rhythm. This 24-hour cycle is part of the body’s internal clock, running in the background to perform essential functions, including hormone regulation and sleep. Disrupted cycles can lead to depression, fatigue, and other mental health issues. 

But if exposure to excess light at night harms our mental health, can natural darkness improve our well-being? 

The night is good for us

It turns out, darkness is good for our minds and spirits, as well as our bodies. In February 2024, a new “Night Sky Connectedness Index” was published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology. It showed that a greater connection to the night sky was positively related to a person’s mental health and happiness. According to the paper, “Feeling connected to nature [and the night sky] can give individuals a sense of purpose and meaning in life…[and] experiencing the beauty and wonder of the natural world can evoke positive emotions and a sense of awe, which can lead to increased overall happiness.”

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) also recognizes the power of the night sky to positively affect human wellness. One of its flagship pillars is dedicated to the inspirational potential of astronomy as a tool for improving people’s mental health and well-being. According to the IAU, “The contemplation of a starry sky, the Moon, or the planets from a dark, natural place elicits a feeling of awe strongly connected with positive emotions and attitudes. Likewise, people who acknowledge feeling part of a greater entity (humanity, nature, spiritual force) report increased gratitude and empathy.”

The power of awe

The clearest positive effect of spending time in the natural night is a sense of awe. Whether contemplating the vastness of the cosmos or admiring the delicate dance of nocturnal life on Earth, spending time in nature at night gives us a sense of wonder and perspective. We may slow down our thoughts, worry less, and experience reduced anxiety. The problems and stresses of our daily lives take on less significance when compared with the scale of nature. In his 2023 book Awe, psychologist Dacher Keltner shows the beneficial effects of awe on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. His research reveals that experiencing awe can reduce stress, quiet our inner critic, and inspire us to act unselfishly toward others.

Darkness boosts creativity

Darkness and dim illumination also promote creativity. A 2013 study in the Journal of Environmental Psychologyinvestigated the effects of light and darkness on creative performance. It showed that darkness and dim illumination improved creative performance and that darkness elicits a feeling of being free from constraints and also triggers a risky, explorative processing style. This means that spending time in naturally dark environments can prompt new ideas, inspire bold artistic outputs, and promote fresh ways of thinking.

Practicing mindfulness

Looking at a starry night sky is a great way to practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is a calm mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment. A variety of studies have shown that mindfulness practices, including present-moment awareness, may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. When you focus on the present moment, you’re paying attention to the things currently happening. Stargazing, nocturnal wildlife watching, and wellness activities are all useful ways of connecting to the natural night while developing mindfulness. Practicing these activities regularly can result in reduced levels of stress and tension, which also contributes to overall physical and mental health.

Originally published in Nightscape Magazine, ‘Darkness for Well-Being’, written by Megan Eaves, Editor of Nightscape Magazine.

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