Enhances Your Mood
What Are the Benefits of Sunlight?
- Sunlight and mental health. Decreased sun exposure has been associated with a drop in your serotonin levels, which can lead to major depression with seasonal pattern.
- Additional sunlight benefits. The sun’s benefits go beyond fighting stress. ...
- Sunlight and moderation. ...
- Outlook. ...
Vitamin D
Skin Cancer
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) This type of skin cancer almost always occurs on sun-damaged skin and is usually pink, shiny and raised.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) This skin cancer is also caused by exposure to the sun, but can also occur in burn scars (from either heat or radiation treatment) or from ...
- Malignant Melanoma. ...
Treats Seasonal Depression
5 Ways the Sun Impacts Your Mental and Physical Health
- Increased Vitamin D. Vitamin D has some important functions in the body. ...
- Improved Mood. It turns out “sunny disposition” is more than just an expression: Researchers at BYU found more mental health distress in people during seasons with little sun exposure.
- Higher Quality Sleep. ...
- Stronger Bones. ...
- Lower Blood Pressure. ...
Relieves Stress
Early morning sunlight is an important source of cholecalciferol or vitamin D3(Pexels) Step out and enjoy the sunshine even if for only a few minutes. Bright light can not only improve your mood but your overall health and of course sleep. "View bright ...
A Better Night's Sleep
Why does sunlight is actually good for You?
What if avoiding the Sun is bad for You?
How does sunlight affect your mood?
Does sunlight improve mood?
What are 5 benefits of the sun?
A Healthy Summer: 5 Benefits of Sun ExposureThe sun's light kills bacteria. Surprisingly enough, sunlight does kill bacteria! ... Sunlight reduces your blood pressure. ... Sun exposure reduces cancer risk. ... The sun strengthens your bones. ... Sunlight improves your sleep quality.
Is it good to get sunlight everyday?
Getting too much sun is dangerous for your skin. However, contrary to what sunscreen companies and vampires have led you to believe, getting some sun every day is actually quite good for you. The sun loads your body with beneficial vitamins and hormones. You can't see it happening, but you can feel it.
What are the benefits of sunlight on skin?
Exposure to the ultraviolet-B radiation in the sun's rays causes a person's skin to create vitamin D. According to one study from 2008 , in a 30-minute period while wearing a swimsuit, people will make the following vitamin D levels: 50,000 international units (IUs) in most Caucasian people.
How much sunlight do you need daily?
The Bottom Line Regular sun exposure is the most natural way to get enough vitamin D. To maintain healthy blood levels, aim to get 10–30 minutes of midday sunlight, several times per week. People with darker skin may need a little more than this.
Which time is best for sunlight?
between 10 am to 3 pm04/10The best time to be out in the Sun The best time to soak yourself in the sun to get the maximum vitamin D is between 10 am to 3 pm. At this time, the UVB rays are intense and it is also said that the body is more efficient in making vitamin D at this time.
Is sun good for hair?
Benefits that sunlight offers your hair Some of the main benefits to your hair include: The sun provides a dose of vitamin D which helps to create new hair follicles and thus promotes hair growth. Following the same path of extra vitamin D, sunlight can also help to prevent and combat hair loss.
Is waking up to sunlight good for you?
It's a real, physiological human need. A 2019 study found that exposure to morning sunlight results in greater alertness. Morning light exposure can also lead to better sleep, which can have a cascade effect on mood the next day.
Is 10am sun good?
This lead us to conclude that for optimal vitamin D synthesis at minimal risk of cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM), the best time for sun exposure is between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Thus, the common health recommendation (that sun exposure should be avoided between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and postponed to the ...
Is sunlight good for eyes?
Researchers suspect that bright outdoor light helps children's developing eyes maintain the correct distance between the lens and the retina, which keeps vision in focus. Dim indoor lighting doesn't seem to provide the same kind of feedback.
Is 15 minutes of sun a day enough?
Our bodies produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight—about 15 minutes in the sun a day is adequate if you're fair skinned. And since Vitamin D helps your body maintain calcium and prevents brittle, thin, or misshapen bones, soaking in sun may be just what the doctor ordered.
How long should I lay in the sun?
How long can you sunbathe? Some dermatologists believe that, as long as you don't have complications with usual sun exposure, you can sunbathe without sunscreen up to 20 minutes each day . To reduce the risk of sunburn, it may be best to stick to 5 to 10 minutes.
Does morning sun give vitamin D?
Myth busted Not many realise that It's only the early morning sun — that is, from 7 am to 9 am — that helps generate Vitamin D. After 10 am, exposure to sunlight is harmful for the body.
What are the benefits of sunlight?
Health benefits of sunlight. Of all the health benefits of sunlight, initiating the process of producing vitamin D in the body may be the best known. When UVB rays hit human skin, they interact with the 7-DHC protein there to produce vitamin D3.
Why is sunlight important?
Sunlight is essential for human health and well-being. The health benefits of sunlight include generating the production of vitamin D, supporting bone health, lowering blood pressure, preventing disease, and promoting good mental health.
What are the benefits of UVB?
Their other benefits include: promoting a sensation of well-being and improving mood. boosting the immune system. relieving pain.
What is light therapy?
Light therapy is a standard treatment for SAD and can be an effective alternative to sunlight. Light therapy regimens, which take place under a medical professional’s supervision, require individuals to sit in front of specially constructed, very bright light boxes for a prescribed amount of time each day.
What are the benefits of sun exposure?
Its benefits include. Trusted Source. : supporting healthy bones. managing calcium levels. reducing inflammation. supporting the immune system and glucose metabolism. Researchers have noted a link between exposure to the sun and lower blood pressure levels, with reduced death rates from cardiovascular issues.
Does sunlight cause diabetes?
They suggest that exposure to sunlight triggers the skin to release stores of nitrogen oxides, which cause arteries to dilate, lowering blood pressure, and may reduce the impact of metabolic syndrome. According to other research, increased sun exposure may also protect people from the following diseases: type 1 diabetes.
Is sunlight good for depression?
Depression and SAD. Alternatives. Summary. From promoting the growth of plants and crops to keeping people warm, sunlight is essential for life. In addition, many people enjoy the feeling of sunlight, and there is increasing evidence to support its many health benefits. A widespread awareness of the fact that too much exposure to UV radiation ...
What were the effects of UVB radiation on skin cancer?
When atmospheric scientists first called attention to possible chemical destruction of the stratospheric ozone layer in the early 1970s, one predicted consequence of the increased UVB radiation was a rise in skin cancer rates, especially in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Latin America.
Does sun exposure help TB?
Dermatology professor Barbara A. Gilchrest of Boston University School of Medicine says that, whereas sun exposure was shown to improve cutaneous TB, sanatorium patients with pulmonary TB likely responded as much or more to rest and good nutrition than to UVR.
Is sun exposure good for health?
Although most of the health-promoting benefits of sun exposure are thought to occur through vitamin D photosynthesis, there may be other health benefits that have gone largely overlooked in the debate over how much sun is needed for good health [see “Other Sun-Dependent Pathways,” p. A165].
Does sun exposure cause cataracts?
Both forms can damage collagen fibers, destroy vitamin A in skin, accelerate aging of the skin, and increase the risk of skin cancers. Excessive sun exposure can also cause cataracts and diseases aggravated by UVR-induced immunosuppression such as reactivation of some latent viruses.
Does solar energy help rickets?
Around the time the solar solution to rickets gained widespread traction in medical circles, another historic scourge, tuberculosis (TB), was also found to respond to solar intervention. TB patients of all ages were sent to rest in sunny locales and generally returned in good health.
Get "Sunlight" When You Can't Get Outside
"I have used this lamp every day for 20 days now, as soon as I wake up, for 30 minutes. I started noticing the positive affects within the first week. NO KIDDING. I felt an increase in my energy level but more importantly, I didn't feel down, my mood has definitely elevated. I would describe it as bursts of positivity throughout the day.
Eat Breakfast in the Sun
Studies have shown that morning sun exposure is best because it signals your body to stop producing melatonin. While the UVB rays can’t get through a window to stimulate vitamin D production, you should still at least sit by a window while you eat breakfast.
Take a Sun Break
To increase your vitamin D levels, make it a point to step outside for at least 15 minutes a day. The best time to do this is in the middle of the day when the sun is strongest, keeping in mind that your arms, legs, and torso absorb the most sun and your hands and face absorb the least.
Take a Vacation
If you work indoors and don't get outside very much, consider taking a vacation. This is especially a good idea if you live in a northern climate that doesn't get much sun in the winter. Go somewhere tropical, where there's plenty of suns to soak in.
About the Author
Brandon Landgraf is the Digital Marketing Manager for Carex Health Brands. He finds passion and fulfillment in creating content that enhances, improves, and enlivens others' quality of life. All of his written work is formulated to not only offer essential advice and tips but back it with proven studies and experts.
About Carex Health Brands
Carex is your one-stop shop for home medical equipment and for products that assist caregivers with providing the best possible support and care for their loved ones. Carex Health Brands has been the branded leader in in-home, self-care medical products for over 35 years.
Why is sunlight important for autoimmune disease?
Sun exposure can help suppress an overactive immune system, which could explain why sunlight is used to treat autoimmune diseases like psoriasis. And since white blood cells increase with sun exposure and they play a key role in fighting diseases and defending the body against infection, moderate sun exposure is very helpful for your immune system.
Why is sun exposure important for bone health?
On the other hand, lower levels of vitamin D3 in the blood are associated with higher rate of all types of fractures. This is why sun exposure is especially important for bone health in older adults. 3. Sun exposure improves brain function.
What happens when the sun hits your eyes?
When sunlight hits our eyes, a message is sent to the pineal gland in the brain and production of melatonin (a hormone that makes us drowsy and helps us sleep) is shut down until the sun goes down again. Your body gets a clear signal that it’s no longer night and this helps to maintain a normal circadian rhythm.
How much sun exposure is needed to prevent skin cancer?
Sunshine does have its benefits, but it’s still the number one cause of skin cancer. Experts recommend no more than 15 to 20 minutes of direct sunlight daily for a healthy adult. After that, apply sunscreen with a minimum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30. Remember skin color, where you live and how much skin you expose to the sun affect how much vitamin D you can produce.
How do genes affect sunlight?
Genes are a factor of how humans metabolize sunlight; as is skin type. For instance, people with pale skin that burns easily in the sun are likely to get skin cancer if exposed to too much sun. The timing and duration of exposure is also a crucial factor when it comes to how our bodies metabolize sunlight.
Why is lower blood pressure good for you?
That’s because the benefits of lower blood pressure include cutting risk of heart attacks and strokes. These benefits, says, Weller “far outweigh the risk of getting skin cancer.”. Advertising. 2. Sun exposure improves bone health.
How does sun exposure affect a baby's growth?
Many cultures around the world recognize this fact and expose children to mild sun to boost growth and height. 9. Sun exposure enhances the immune system .
Why is sunbathing important?
Sunbathing was used to promote health and to "cure" many ailments, such as tuberculosis and skin conditions. 2 . Scientific evidence confirms that sufficient sunlight is essential for optimal functioning of the mind and body.
What is the best way to get sunlight?
Vitamin D Sources. A key component in giving yourself the sunlight your body craves is to determine how much your body is getting, how much you need, and how much vitamin D you're taking in from other sources.
What does "get outside and get some sun" mean?
The grandmotherly refrain to "get outside and get some sun" is more than just an old wives' tale. Instead, sunlight (and the vitamin D it lets our bodies make) offers enormous mental and physical health benefits that, for most of us, can be accessed simply by walking out the door.
How to get more sun exposure?
Tips For Getting More Sun Exposure 1 Track your sun exposure: Try keeping a log of how much time you spend outside in direct sunlight, what the weather was like, and how much vitamin D you consume. Write down how more or less sun (and vitamin D intake) makes you feel. 2 Get outside more often: Whenever you need to take a quick break from work or just want to stretch, try doing so outside when it's nice and sunny. Eventually, you may be able to see patterns that help you understand how sunlight may affect your wellbeing. Discuss with your doctor any concerns you may have about your sun exposure and vitamin D levels and how any deficits may play a role in your physical and mental health.
How much vitamin D do you get from the sun?
It's estimated the most people get 90% of their vitamin D from the sun, so it's an important source. 3 But there are many factors that influence how much sunlight you are exposed to, including the season, where you live (such as in a sunny climate or in a locations that tend to have cool, rainy, or cloudy weather), and your life circumstances (such as working inside or outside and having a yard or living in a high rise).
Why do people worship the sun?
Any excess was stored in body fat. Many cultures worshipped the sun, praising it for bringing life and good health.
Is it good to take more sunlight for vitamin D?
While those with specific illnesses related to vitamin D deficiencies clearly benefit from more sunlight, light therapy, or vitamin D supplementation, it is worthwhile for everyone to consider boosting their sunshine and vitamin D consumption quota.
What does the sun do to your body?
When we spend time in the sun, our skin manufactures Vitamin D . But what does that do, exactly? The primary use of this vitamin in the body is to regulate calcium. This is important for strong bones and teeth. But vitamin D can also help fight off diseases like the flu and may even help with weight loss.
What happens to the body after the sun goes down?
In the darkness after the sun goes down, our body converts serotonin to create melatonin, the sleep hormone. Unfortunately, many of our screens and bright lights mimic sunlight and confuse our bodies into thinking that it’s still daylight. To make the most of the sun’s sleep perfecting benefits, be sure to turn off screens and dim ...
How much sunlight does it take to get vitamin D?
Just 15 minutes of sunlight exposure a day is enough to give you all the vitamin D you need. So go outside and take a walk while the weather is nice. You can also get vitamin D through foods like salmon and egg yolks, and some foods are fortified with vitamin D such as milk and orange juice.
What are the dangers of UV radiation?
Just as our skin can suffer from the effects of the sun’s rays, so too can our eyes. UV radiation can cause inflammation of the cornea or the conjunctiva in the short term. In the long term, it can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration, and cancers in the eye.
What are the dangers of sun exposure?
Danger: Heat Exhaustion & Heat Stroke. Two of the most common dangers associated with sun exposure are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. These heat-related illnesses may occur when the body’s temperature is raised because of time spent in the sun.
Is sunlight good for you?
It’s no secret that sunlight is beneficial to us, but we’ve also learned that it can cause harm. Like most things in life, the sun has both positive and negative qualities, especially where our health is concerned. Here are some of the benefits and dangers of sunlight and sun exposure.
Does sunlight help with depression?
It seems that exposure to sunlight releases a chemical in our brains called serotonin. This feel-good chemical helps relieve depression, reduce anxiety and even stimulates the body to heal wounds. It makes us feel happier and calmer, and more in control.
