Natural sunlight is not only meant for solar panels but also human skin. However, the growing concerns surrounding UV light have led many people to spend less time out in the sun.
Natural sunlight remains one of the top sources of good health for human beings. The sunlight nourishes our bodies in numerous ways and promotes physical, mental and emotional health. The heavy task is on finding a balance between spending adequate time in the sun without risking overexposure.
Here are several facts you should know about the health benefits of natural sunlight.
Production of vitamin D.
A great significance of sunlight lies in its ability to initiate vitamin D production in our bodies.
When sun rays land on your skin, the UV rays interact with a particular, protein 7- DHC, to produce Vitamin D.
Vitamin D provides several essential health benefits to your body notwithstanding:
- The promotion of healthy bones
- Boosts calcium levels in the body
- Offers great immune support
- Aids in improving glucose metabolism
- Regulates inflammation
To enjoy all these metabolic benefits, you must maintain regular exposure to sources of vitamin D.
Protection from diseases.
There is a link between sun exposure and blood pressure levels. Nitric oxide, which is a vasodilator, is found within the layers of the skin. When solar exposure occurs, the compound is released into vessels causing dilatation that lowers blood pressure. The effect is profound in arteries when pressures are higher.
Regulation of high blood pressure is salient to the reduction of cardiovascular-related complications and deaths. In addition, dilation of the arteries also minimises the effects of metabolic syndrome.
There are a vast number of diseases that are prevented by sunlight exposure. These include:
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Colon cancer
- Breast and prostate cancer
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Improved sleep
Sunlight exposure boosts your ability to sleep well. This is due to the secretion of the hormones; serotonin and melatonin. The release of these hormones follows the circadian rhythm, which is set by sunlight. This explains why we are diurnal creatures despite having the ability to work through the night.
Melatonin release peaks at night and reduces in the morning as serotonin release starts peaking. Early morning sun exposure establishes a consistent sleeping pattern by ensuring the sleep hormones follow a specific rhythm.
Promotion of mental health.
Days with fewer sunshine hours are associated with more mental health distress. Subsequently, longer sunshine days are linked to better mental health. This is because sunlight exposure boosts serotonin levels in your body.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) explains winter blues that occurs when daylight hours are reduced. Less sun exposure results in reduced serotonin release and subsequent low moods.
Exposure to natural sunlight is an advised treatment for anxiety and clinical depression in conjunction with other forms of therapies.
Boosting overall human well-being.
Having a good number of hours exposed to sunlight improves the overall well-being of human beings. Exposure to UV rays sets off the release of beta-endorphins in your body. There are numerous benefits to this endorphin release, such as:
- Reduces pain since the hormone is a natural painkiller.
- Improves wound healing
- Improves mood
- Assists optimal immune response
- Heightens the levels of alertness
- Promotes mental and physical relaxation
All these benefits explain the open architectural designs in workplaces, hospitals and recreational centres. The more sunshine coming in, the more relaxing and calming a space is.
It is vital to your physical and mental health to ensure you receive ample sunlight regularly. Areas with low sunlight due to climatic conditions may use other sources of UV rays like lightboxes.
The numerous health benefits of natural sunlight are something you shouldn’t ignore, so get your daily hours of sunlight and enjoy a healthier body and mind.
