The sun is the giver of all life, scientifically speaking. After all, our sun regulates temperature and provides the earth with an estimated 400 trillion watts of light, according to NASA. And while we know we can’t live without it, did you know that sunlight also nourishes your body and helps improve your general health?
In this article, we’re going to consider five benefits of sunlight that you might not know about. Then we’ll also consider when you’re getting too much sun and might be exposing yourself to danger!
1. The Sun is a Chill Pill
While the expression “Get some sun!” is often a poor choice of words used to help a sad person, it’s actually coming from a scientific point of view.
Sunlight entering the eyeball helps in releasing a hormone called serotonin. Serotonin increase is what causes a person to feel calmer, more focused, and in a better mood overall.
So after giving your friend some better words of comfort, yes, try to get them to follow you out into the sunlight for a little while!
2. Sunlight Exposure Early in the Day Could Stop You Waking Up at Night
People spend a lot of money on melatonin pills and gummies, and with good reason. Melatonin stimulation helps regulate a person’s sleeping cycle. At night, melatonin releases peaks.
But did you know the sun also helps produce melatonin naturally? By going to bed when it’s dark, AND spending some time in natural sunlight during the midday hours, you can help improve the circadian rhythm that will set melatonin levels.
Better melatonin production helps lull you to sleep at the right time – and especially if it’s naturally influenced. If you seem to keep waking up at night then consider readjusting your schedule to be awake and outside in the morning and early afternoon hours.
3. The Sun is a Vitamin D Shot
Forget milk – Vitamin D is what actually helps build stronger bones, and there’s plenty of it in natural sunlight. Just by being outside and absorbing some of those rays, you produce more vitamin D. Vitamin D directly affects your body’s management of calcium, which is where stronger bones come from.
4. Exercise, Diet and…the Sun?
Now here’s a new one. While diet and exercise are the best natural ways to lose weight, going outside for a small jog or a hike nearby can help you lose weight too. Some studies confirmed what sunbathers already knew!
Namely, that there’s a definite but not quite understood link between sunlight and weight loss. In fact, respondents that went outside for a few minutes a day, and between the hours of eight o’clock and twelve o’clock noon, reported better weight loss results.
5. The Sun is an Immune System Booster
There’s evidence suggesting people who receive sufficient sunlight throughout the day will get an immune system boost. This helps your body fight against infections and other illnesses. Of course, any wellness activity can help boost your mood and your immunity.
For example, wellness treatments and spa activities can also provide restorative and healing therapies. Take a look at some popular wellness activities that can help you relax and your body recuperate!
But aside from that, there are a few studies that illustrate how almost every cell has a receptor for Vitamin D. Our bodies are simply made to benefit from sunlight.
6. The Sun May Protect You Against Disease
You may have heard that too much sun causes some medical problems, but hey, don’t forget just the right amount of sun may help prevent diseases – like breast cancer, prostate cancer, and heart disease.
Some of the research suggests Vitamin D is the key, and that the more sunlight you get all over your body the more Vitamin D you produce. One thing’s for sure – a lack of Vitamin D has been linked to many medical and mental problems. More study is required before starting anything definite, but it’s safe to say that avoiding the sun at all costs is a bad idea.
Is the Sun Harmful?
A better way to say that might be that ANYTHING in excess is harmful. Yes, there’s definitely a risk involved in getting too much sun over a period of time, particularly sunburn and ultra-violet rays, which can cause damage to the skin and eyes.
But just the right amount of sun is good for you. Most doctors say that to get adequate Vitamin D, you only need to spend about 10-20 minutes in midday (not afternoon) sunlight, about once a day, or at least several times a week.
