The Benefits of Sunlight

The Sun (or that big ball of light in the sky)

We watch it rise and set each day. It brings us light, heat, and possibly many other effects unbeknownst to us. Here’s why we all need a little more sun:

What Makes the Sun So Special?

The sun drives the weather, seasons, and ocean currents and truly makes life possible. It provides all the plant life with the energy it needs to grow (through photosynthesis). Without the sun, Earth would be too cold to support life in general.

What is Sunlight?

By definition, sunlight is “also called sunshine, solar radiation that is visible at Earth’s surface”. Sunlight travels through space like waves bringing light and heat to the planets.

So How Does Sunlight Affect Me?

Sunlight is important for many different aspects of our lives. Some are obvious: the ability to see (duh), and sustain life (double duh) but what about your mind?

The Mental Effects of Sunlight

The sun's effect on our mood has been researched more and more over the last few decades. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that affects people in the fall and winter due to shorter days and the lack of sunlight. This was thought to be the result of throwing off one's circadian rhythm. These are cycles of your body’s internal cock that regulate how much restorative time your body gets after its days. I’ll let sleep psychiatrist Alex Dimitriu take over for a second:

“The circadian rhythms throughout the body are connected to an internal clock located in the brain. Specifically, it is found in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), which is in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. At different times of the day, clock genes in the SCN send signals to regulate activity throughout the body.

The SCN is highly sensitive to light, which serves as a critical external cue that influences the signals sent by the SCN to coordinate circadian rhythms in the body. For this reason, circadian rhythms are closely connected to day and night. While other cues, like exercise, social activity, and temperature, can affect the internal clock, light is the most powerful influence on circadian rhythms.”

So, light dictates a lot of your brain’s ability to properly recover and “reset” from our busy days ahead. When we see less sunlight, we can experience symptoms of depression. However, depression is complex. Studies show light therapy can treat people with SAD but can also help people suffering from general depression and bipolar disorder. We’re far from pinning the reason down.

Research also shows that sunlight can aid in reducing the uptick of eating disorders developed in the darker months, leading to the theory that vitamin D deficiency may play a role in developing these mental health conditions. They believe there is a connection between vitamin D, melatonin, and regulating the circadian rhythm that impacts the development of severe and dangerous eating disorders.

Aside from mental benefits, let's talk physical:

The Physical Benefits of Sunlight

Studies have shown links between low levels of vitamin D and higher rates of numerous diseases since the body relies on sufficient sunlight for its primary systems to operate efficiently. Vitamin D is essential for optimal cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, and skeletal system function.

Research is ongoing, but studies have indicated that sunlight may provide a significant protective effect for osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, breathing problems, inflammation, and diabetes. Multiple studies have shown reduced rates of developing various cancer types (including colon and breast) with increased vitamin D and calcium.

It also makes it easier to get your steps in and enjoy exercise outdoors, which is overlooked in our daily lives. Exercising in the sunlight brings an amazing uptick to any workout and that's a promise.

Guys, make sure you're getting outside every chance you can. Scientists believe sunlight exposure times of anywhere from 5-30 minutes a day are recommended for the maximal health benefits. No longer poses the threat of sunlight-related conditions (i.e., sunburns), the threat of sunlight-related conditions (i.e. sunburns) so make sure to wear sunscreen and protect your skin.

Something no research has talked about… how relaxing is being in the sun? I’ll use a song quote for this one:

"I got my toes in the water, ass in the sand

Not a worry in the world, a cold beer in my hand

Life is good today, life is good today"

Zac Brown Band- Toes

Sunlight is important but what’s more important is getting in plenty of:

Protein, protein, protein

water, water, water

-Your Favorite Trainer

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