Sunlight and its vital role in your longevity

Here's a science-backed life hack for you: Exposure to sunlight first thing in the morning positively affects your weight, metabolism and overall wellbeing! 

We all know that sunshine just feels good. But did you know that getting sunlight is also a very crucial science-backed element of health and, by adding more of it at specific times, you could super-boost your wellness?  

If you’re looking for ways to be healthier and feel great, that cost $0, this could be the perfect life hack for you. 

Getting outside and turning your face towards the sun upon waking is a simple habit to incorporate with powerful implications for your health. Here is what we know:

Light therapy is the most effective way to synchronize your body’s internal clock, vital for regulating hormones related to appetite and metabolism^[4]. Sunlight also helps with the production of Vitamin D, which can help regulate melatonin production at night – making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep^[1]. 

Getting morning sunlight can be very beneficial for our mood and mental health^[2]. Natural sunlight helps us stay alert, promotes vitamin D production, and boosts serotonin levels. This increased level of serotonin has been proven to improve sleep quality at night.   

Studies have found that even brief exposure to morning sunlight can help people suffering from sleep disorders get better rest at night, allowing them to be more rested and thus elevate mood and improve overall cognitive function^[3]. 

Don’t sleep on the power of mindful sun exposure!

References:

1. M. Nathaniel Mead - Benefits of Sunlight: A Bright Spot for Human Health - 2008

 
2. Shia T Kent, Leslie A McClure, William L Crosson, Donna K Arnett, Virginia G Wadley, and Nalini Sathiakumar - Effect of sunlight exposure on cognitive function among depressed and non-depressed participants: a REGARDS cross-sectional study - 2009
3. National Institute of General Medical Sciences (https://nigms.nih.gov/education/fact-sheets/Pages/circadian-rhythms.aspx)
4. Luka Vranić, Ivana Mikolašević, and Sandra Milić - Vitamin D Deficiency: Consequence or Cause of Obesity? - 2019