The Power of Sunlight: How It Supports Your Brain.
Sunlight has a significant impact on several aspects of your health, and your brain is no exception. While we often think of sunlight’s role in strengthening bones and improving mood, its effects on the brain are often less well-known. Yet sunlight is crucial to the health and functioning of your brain. In this blog, you’ll learn why you should get sunlight every day and how it affects your brain.
The production of serotonin
When you get morning sunlight, it stimulates the production of serotonin , a neurotransmitter that directly affects your mood. Serotonin is often called the “happiness hormone” because it creates a sense of well-being, calmness, and happiness. With enough exposure to sunlight, especially in the morning, your brain is stimulated to produce more serotonin, which can help reduce stress and improve your mood.
It’s not just the feeling of happiness that you experience; serotonin also plays a role in your sleep, appetite, and even your memory. So it’s clear that sunlight has a direct impact on your overall mental health.
The circadian rhythm
Your brain follows an internal clock, known as your circadian rhythm , which regulates your sleep-wake cycle. Sunlight is one of the strongest signals for your brain to synchronize its circadian rhythm. This rhythm affects important functions such as sleep quality, concentration, and even your energy levels throughout the day.
Exposure to natural light, especially in the morning, helps to align your body clock and promotes healthy sleep. Sleep is essential for brain function, as it helps you recover, consolidate memory, and improve cognitive function. A well-balanced circadian rhythm contributes to better mental clarity and alertness throughout the day.
The influence of sunlight on cortisol
Sunlight also affects cortisol , the stress hormone that helps your body release energy in response to stress. Cortisol follows a circadian pattern, with levels being highest in the morning and then gradually decreasing. When you get sunlight in the morning, it helps your body naturally increase your cortisol, making you feel more energetic and alert.
This is not only important for your physical energy, but it also ensures that you have a healthy stress response. When cortisol is produced in a healthy way, it helps you manage stress and keep your brain sharp. Too much cortisol can be harmful to your brain and impair your concentration, so a natural boost from sunlight is ideal.
Sunlight and cognitive functions
There are several studies that suggest that exposure to sunlight has a positive effect on cognitive functions , such as memory and concentration. This is because sunlight affects the production of important neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, both of which are involved in brain functions such as learning and memory. It is therefore not surprising that people who regularly spend time in the sun are better able to concentrate and stay mentally clear.
Additionally, it's important to know that lack of sunlight is associated with an increased risk of mood disorders such as depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) , which often occur in the winter months when sunlight is scarce.
How do you get more exposure to sunlight?
1. Morning Sun is Best: Early morning sunlight exposure is most effective at synchronizing your body clock and boosting your serotonin levels. Try to get outside for 20-30 minutes every morning, even if it’s cloudy.
2. Regular outdoor activities: Make it a habit to get outside every day, whether it’s for a walk, a bike ride or a short break in the garden. Even short periods of sunlight have positive effects on your brain health.
3. Alternatives to sunlight: If you can’t get enough sunlight, 10,000 lux daylight lamps can help regulate your circadian rhythm and increase serotonin production, which can improve your mood and energy. Spending 20-30 minutes under one of these lamps a day is often effective. Infrared lamps promote blood circulation and reduce inflammation, which can help your brain heal by reducing physical stress. Both lamps are a great way to get the benefits of sunlight.
Finally
Sunlight is a powerful tool for boosting your brain health. It helps produce serotonin, regulates your circadian rhythm, supports healthy cortisol balance, and can improve your cognitive function. Taking advantage of the benefits of sunlight every day can improve your mental health and well-being in the long run. So get outside every day and let the sun do its work for your brain!
