There are many great reasons to get outside and soak up a little sun. Getting the right amount of sun exposure can improve your overall well-being. Here are four health benefits of sunlight and reasons to open those shades or windows and let the sunshine in your home.
- Sunlight improves your mental health. Being outdoors can increase your body’s serotonin levels. Serotonin is a chemical that boosts your mood while providing mental focus and clarity. Some studies also show exposure to natural light can relieve the symptoms of seasonal depression. This condition often happens in the fall and winter when there are fewer hours of daylight.
- Sunshine helps maintain strong bones. Our body produces vitamin D after being in the sun for about 15 minutes. Vitamin D allows the body to better absorb calcium, which is crucial for bone health. When your body is getting enough calcium, it can prevent bone fractures and osteoporosis.
- Natural sunlight can strengthen your immune system. UV light helps activate Vitamin D, which also regulates the immune system. A healthy immune system fights off disease and infection.
- Sunlight helps improve sleep quality. Sunrise and sunset play a key role in maintaining the body’s circadian rhythm. Sun exposure increases your melatonin levels, which helps regulate the sleep cycle. Research shows that about an hour of natural light in the morning can increase melatonin levels later in the day, helping you fall asleep more easily.
