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Sunny Days Help You Think

Cloudiness reduces cognitive agility in depressed people, researchers found

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 5, 2009 4:42 PM CDT

(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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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
Revenge_of_Mint
Aug 7, 2009 4:53 AM CDT
Cloudy days tend to be good for other activities like reading or music making.
cognitivefilter
Aug 6, 2009 2:45 AM CDT
THAT'S why i get poor grades winter term...
Sonny_Crockett
Aug 5, 2009 10:28 AM 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 )

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