Let There Be Light to Perk Up Nurses
Published at
iStock/Thinkstock(ITHACA, N.Y.) — Laughter has been described as the best medicine but nothing beats a good dose of natural light to revive the physical and mental well-being of nurses.
Cornell University researcher Rana Zadeh says that due to long shifts that often run from early morning to early evening or vice versa, nurses can feel run-down, irritable and depressed.
Naturally, when nurses are not at their best, it can affect patient care.
Zadeh maintains the solution to this problem is as simple as a blast of sunshine or improved quality lighting in nursing areas.
Those with more access to natural light, according to Zadeh, experience lower blood pressure and better communication with colleagues. Zadeh notes that nurses who “see the light” laugh more and are happier, which benefits patients.
Follow @ABCNewsRadio
Copyright 2014 ABC News Radio