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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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8

Sunny Days Help You Think

Cloudiness reduces cognitive agility in depressed people, researchers found

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(Newser) – Does a cloudy day leave you groggy and unable to focus? If so, a study suggests you’re not alone: Cloudy days, regardless of season, can have an effect on cognitive function, MSNBC reports. Researchers cross-referencing the results of cognitive tests from 16,800 Americans with data on daily sunshine and cloud levels found a correlation—in depressed people—between cloudy days and decreased performance.

“We don’t yet know if living in a climate that consistently bombards you with light will improve cognitive function," says a psychology professor. "But there’s good evidence from the mood research front that visiting such a place and getting away from a gloomy place for a stretch of time is likely to have a good impact.”

Sunlight may aid cognitive function, a new study suggests.
Sunlight may aid cognitive function, a new study suggests.   (Shutterstock)
Sunlight may aid cognitive function, a new study suggests.
Sunlight may aid cognitive function, a new study suggests.   (Flickr)
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8 comments
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Reader60610265
Aug 5, 09 5:27 PM CDT
Ya gloomy day's make it hard to get the old motor running. Reply
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+2
Sonny_Crockett
Aug 5, 09 5:28 PM CDT
We've had an average of 110 degree weather in Houston lately... So, speak for yourself, but I could use a little cloud in my day ! ( So could my yard ) Reply
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+6
sirjorge.com
Aug 5, 09 6:16 PM CDT
I live in seattle, sunny days make me depressed. Hence, the reason why I moved to Seattle. Reply
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+7
IN RESPONSE:
Revenge_of_Mint
Aug 6, 09 11:53 PM CDT
Cloudy days tend to be good for other activities like reading or music making.
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0
Reader60610265
Aug 5, 09 8:58 PM CDT
lol what ever grabs you lol. Reply
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+1

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