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
Sunny Days Help You Think
Sunlight may aid cognitive function, a new study suggests.   (Shutterstock)

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.” (More weather stories.)

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