The Importance of Sunlight: Benefits, Risks, and How to Enjoy It Safely
The Importance of Sunlight: Benefits, Risks, and How to Enjoy It Safely
Sunshine on the planet Earth is possibly the most important natural resource. It keeps your life alive through boosting your health through solar power on the planet, providing ecosystem support, affecting your moods and energy levels positively, etc. Although today most of us live indoors because of how we live today, sunlight still plays an important role in maintaining mental and physical wellness. The more you learn about the benefits of sunlight versus the risks associated with it, the better prepared you will be to enjoy its many benefits in a responsible manner.
What Is Sunlight?
The three main parts of sunlight are visible light, ultraviolet (UV) rays, and infrared radiation. Each aspect of sunlight has an important purpose for living organisms:
Visible Light—Provides the ability to see and regulates the sleep-wake cycle.
Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation—Stimulates the production of vitamin D within the body and demonstrates various antibacterial properties.
Infrared Radiation—Supplies warmth and supports good blood flow to the body.
These three parts of sunlight together offer many benefits to all forms of life and are vital to good health.
Health Benefits of Sunlight
Health Benefits of Sunlight
1. Boosts Vitamin D Production
The sun provides sunshine and vitamin D to your body, both of which are important nutrients in maintaining:
- Stronger bones
- Better immune function
- Reduced inflammation
- Improved mood
Getting just 10 – 20 minutes of sun exposure two to three times per week has been shown to increase vitamin D levels significantly.
2. Improves Mood and Mental Health
Exposure to sunlight causes the brain to secrete larger amounts of serotonin (a.k.a. “the happy hormone”). Also, frequent exposure to sunlight has been shown to:
- Lower Stress Levels.
- [Chronic] Manage Depression.
- Make an Individual Happier.
- Support Increased Energy Levels.
Thus, it is reasonable that spending time in natural light with outdoor activities leads to higher levels and a sense of renewal.
3. Regulates Sleep Patterns
The circadian rhythm, or internal clock, is affected by exposure to sunlight, which aids in regulating your sleep patterns. Sunlight exposure in the morning provides:
- Increased alertness throughout the day;
- A quicker transition into sleep each evening;
- Increased quality of sleep.
A consistent amount of morning sunlight exposure has been shown to greatly enhance the quality of one’s sleep cycle.
4. Strengthens the Immune System
By producing vitamin D through sunlight exposure and supporting immune cells through sunlight, the body has greater ability to:
- Fight off infection
- Decrease inflammation
- Help regulate the body’s immune response
Individuals who are exposed to healthy amounts of sunlight typically have greater immunity than those who do not.
5. Supports Skin Health
Exposing Oneself to Moderate Sunlight Exposure May Aid Conditions Such As:
- Psoriasis
- Eczema
- Acne
- Vitiligo.
Sunlight therapy can be a beneficial natural treatment for these conditions under the care of a physician.
Benefits Beyond Human Health
Each year, sunlight contributes significantly to plant growth and development via photosynthesis. The existence of food, oxygen, and human life would not be possible without the presence of solar radiation.
The Environmental Impact of Solar Energy
Solar energy is an effective means of reducing pollutants.
Solar radiation can disinfect naturally occurring bodies of water.
Solar energy contributes to the overall ecological balance of the world.
Risks of Excessive Sunlight
Although sunlight is vital for the environment, too much exposure to it can be harmful because it emits ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
- Skin Damage—Overexposure to UV radiation can result in the following:
- Sunburn
- Premature aging (wrinkling and developing dark spots)
- Developing an allergy to sunlight
2. Increased Risk of Skin Cancer
Long-term, unprotected sun exposure results in an increase in all types of skin cancer, including melanoma (the deadliest skin cancer).
- Eye Damage Due to Direct Sunlight
- The Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation (UV) on the Eyes Include:
- Development of Cataracts
- Irritated Eyes
3. Eye Damage
Safe Sun Exposure – Enjoy the Benefits Without the Risks
✔ Limit Midday Sun Exposure
Avoid Sun Exposure Between the Hours of 10 AM and 4 PM, When the sun’s UV Rays Are at Their Highest Levels.
✔ Use Sunscreen
Select a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 or greater, and reapply every two hours when outside.
✔ Wear Protective Clothing
Wearing long sleeves and hats will reduce the risk of skin damage from UV radiation. Wearing sunglasses will protect your eyes from UV radiation.
✔ Get Morning Sunlight
The softest and safest sunshine occurs in the morning and works well for assisting you with your sleep cycle.
Develop a Balance for the Time Spent Outside in the Sun
Spend 10-20 Minutes Outside in the Sun a Few Times a Week to Get Your Vitamin D and Not Be Over-Exposed to the Sun’s UV Radiation.
Summary
Sunlight is an important natural force to our health and happiness on Earth, and without it the Earth cannot survive. When taken in a safe and mindful manner, it will positively affect our health through enhanced mood, improved immunity, better night’s sleep/nighttime growth, and overall increased wellness. The secret to enjoying the benefits of sunlight is moderation—you need to get enough sunlight to remain healthy and have enough protection from too much exposure.
