Why The Sun Can Be Good for You

By: Pamela Gliatis

While we are used to hearing that too much sunlight can be harmful to your skin, did you know that the right balance of sunlight can be beneficial to your health? According to scientists and health experts, anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes of sun exposure, or up to 30 minutes if you are dark-skinned, is enough time to absorb all the health benefits that sunlight can give. While you can’t see it, the sun actually loads your body with necessary vitamins and hormones, which can make you feel more rejuvenated. Read on to see all the different ways the sun can change you for the better.

Mood Boost

Sunlight and darkness trigger the release of hormones in your brain. What that means is that once you are exposed to 5 to 15 minutes of sunlight, it increases the brain’s release of a hormone called serotonin, which is associated with boosting the mood. Serotonin (the happiness hormone) is responsible for helping you feel calmer and more focused. Doctors also sometimes link seasonal affective disorder or various types of depression with low levels of serotonin, which typically can be treated with natural light. Beach volleyball, going for a swim, hiking, skating, biking, and many other outdoor activities are great ways to boost that mood even more while soaking up the benefits of the sun. 

Better Sleep

Just like how sunlight releases serotonin, darkness releases a hormone in your brain called melatonin. This hormone is responsible for helping you sleep. Your eyes need light to help set the body’s internal clock, which is why when darkness falls, you tend to sleep better as a result. A great alternative suggestion for better sleep is combining getting that morning sunlight and meditating before bed. 

Vitamin D

Vitamin D plays a big role in bone health. Exposure to the ultraviolet-B radiation in the sun’s rays causes a person’s skin to create vitamin D. According to the findings of one study from 2008, in a 30-minute period while wearing a swimsuit, people will make the following vitamin D levels: 50,000 international units (IUs) in most Caucasian people, 20,000 to 30,000 IUs in tanned people, and 8,000 to 10,000 IUs in dark-skinned people. The recommended daily amount is only 600 IUs a day! Scientists also believe that low levels of Vitamin D can cause a higher risk for developing other conditions, such as multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases. A quick walk, or even just laying out by the pool or beach for 30 minutes especially if your skin is a darker shade, is a great way to soak up these rays. 

Heals Various Skin Conditions

It may seem strange that sunlight can help heal skin conditions when we have been warned about the dangers of too much sunlight. According to the World Health Organization, doctors have recommended UV radiation exposure to treat things like psoriasis, acne, jaundice, and eczema. However, that doesn’t mean you need to stay out in the sun all day. It is as simple as getting your recommended 5-15 minutes of sunlight exposure.

Kills Bacteria

A lot of us tend to spend quite a bit of time indoors. Over time, indoor environments can build up dust, which carries different types of bacteria that can trigger asthma and allergy symptoms. One study found that sunlight can kill the bacteria that live in dust indoors. In this particular study, 12% of bacteria survived in a darkroom environment, but only 6% of dust bacteria survived after being exposed to sunlight. So go ahead and make sure to open these shades and windows to allow more sunlight into your home and let these UV rays kill the bacteria, all the while improving the air quality.

Reduces Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is usually linked to cardiovascular disease, which is known to vary according to season and latitude; higher blood pressure levels have been observed in winter and in countries further from the equator, where ultraviolet radiation from the sun is lower. A study done by the University of Southampton shows that UVA exposure dilates blood vessels and significantly lowers blood pressure. A great way to battle this is going for a walk or a run outside, as a way to not only help get that blood circulating better but also get that sunlight in to bring down your blood pressure. 

However, this doesn’t mean it is okay for you to get out there and be in the sun all day. It is recommended to limit your exposure to 5-30 minutes a day, and if you are going to get out there for longer than that, be sure to put on sunscreen to block more of the UV light. One of my favorite ways to get some sun and soak up the feeling of summer is walking to the local ice cream shop. There are so many fun ways you can get a daily dose of sunshine into your life, and it’s always a nice way to break up your day.