It is known that lack of sunlight can contribute to depression but new research suggests that it might also have an effect on brainpower - at least for people suffering from depression. Shia Kent from the University of Birmingham in Alabama used data from another study covering 14,474 people to look at the links between depression, cognitive power and sunlight. They found that among the participants with depression low exposure to sunlight was associated with a significantly higher probability of cognitive impairment as assessed by short-term recall and temporal orientation. As well as regulating the hormones serotonin and melatonin light has also been shown to affect the flow of blood to the brain, something that has been linked with cognitive functioning.
You can find out more about this research at
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090727191728.htm
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