Benefits of Sun Exposure for Your Health

benefits of sun exposure

We’ve all heard about the dangers of sun exposure and the damage it may cause to your skin. It can cause everything from skin cancer to premature aging due to the sun. However, it’s crucial to remember that not all sun exposure is negative, and that when done in moderation, it can really be beneficial to your health. Here are some of the great benefits of sun exposure for your health.

Benefits of Sun Exposure for Your Health

Provide your body with a much needed serotonin boost

benefits of sun exposure

Serotonin is a sort of hormone produced by your body that is essential for mental wellbeing. Different hormones are released in your body during the day and at night. Sunlight stimulates the creation of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that keeps you alert and makes you feel happy and relaxed. Melatonin is produced by darkness and is necessary for optimal sleep.

Getting some light through the day, especially first thing in the morning, might help your body produce serotonin and get your day started right.

Improve your sleep

Melatonin is a hormone produced by your body that is essential for sleeping. Because it is produced when it is dark, you normally feel drowsy two hours after the sun sets, which is one of the reasons why our bodies naturally stay up later in the summer.

According to research, getting an hour of natural light in the morning can help you sleep better. Your circadian rhythm is regulated by sunlight, which tells your body when to increase and reduce melatonin levels. As a result, the more daylight exposure you get, the more melatonin your body produces when it’s time to sleep.

Aid in the absorption of vitamin D

Because the skin synthesizes vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, the sun protects rachitis in both children and adults, as well as osteoporosis in the elderly. Calcium is absorbed into the colon in this manner, which aids in the development of strong bones.

Maintain strong bones

Being outside is one of the finest ways to get vitamin D. When we are exposed to sunlight, our bodies create vitamin D; if you have fair skin, 15 minutes in the sun every day is plenty. And, because Vitamin D helps your body maintain calcium levels and prevents brittle, thin, or deformed bones, soaking up some rays could be just what the doctor ordered.

Strengthen your immune system

benefits of sun exposure

Vitamin D is also important for your immune system, and regular sun exposure can assist to enhance it. A strong immune system can help you avoid disease, infections, some malignancies, and death following surgery.

Reduce stress

Melatonin also helps to lessen stress reactivity, and being outside allows your body to naturally regulate melatonin, which can help you relax. Additionally, because you’re usually doing something active outside (walking, playing, etc.) when you’re outside, the added exercise helps to reduce stress.

Protect against cancers

Colon and breast cancers, as well as leukemia and lymphomas, are all prevented by regular and controlled sun exposure. Cancer cells are inhibited by vitamin D and other similar substances.

Fight off depression

It’s not all in your head; there’s a scientific reason that going outside in the sunshine makes you feel better. Sunshine increases the amount of serotonin in your body, which is a hormone that enhances your mood and keeps you calm and focused.

Increased exposure to natural light may help alleviate the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, a mood fluctuation that occurs throughout the fall and winter months when there are less daylight hours.

Help lower blood pressure

Help lower blood pressure

High blood pressure is a significant illness that has been linked to heart disease, renal failure, erectile dysfunction, and diabetes. The good news is that sunshine can help lower it by reacting with nitric oxide in the top layer of the skin, widening blood vessels and lowering blood pressure throughout the body.

Strengthen your heart

The cardiovascular system is strengthened by exposure to the sun; blood circulation is improved, and arterial pressure, glucose, and cholesterol levels can all be regulated. This is one of the benefits of sun exposure that you should know.

Keep the weight off

Weight loss has been linked to getting outside for 30 minutes between 8 a.m. and noon. Of course, there could be other things at play, but it appears that early morning sunlight and weight loss are linked.

 

Related posts