Bask in the Benefits of the Morning Sun
Ever wonder why soaking up the sun’s rays feels so good? The benefits of morning sun aren’t just about warmth—they offer a health boost! While Vitamin D is a big reason, there’s so much more to gain. Compared to artificial light, the perks of natural sunlight are unmatched.
Despite sunlight being the best and most abundant source of Vitamin D, many people in North America are still deficient. Are you curious if you’re getting enough of the “Sunshine Vitamin”? Or wondering what to do if you’re not? Let’s explore Vitamin D and other natural light benefits and why it outshines artificial light.
What Makes Vitamin D So Special?
While you can certainly take a Vitamin D supplement to boost your levels, you can also find it naturally in foods like oily fish (salmon, cod, or herring), egg yolks, and mushrooms. Many dairy products, orange juice, and cereals also add Vitamin D. However, the best, most natural source is still the sun.
When you get enough sunlight, your skin produces Vitamin D, which is then converted by the liver and kidneys into its active form, calcitriol. To learn more about the science behind Vitamin D, check out the following blog.
Let’s look at how soaking up the morning rays and getting adequate Vitamin D supports your body systems—and how natural light benefits you even more for your health beyond just boosting your Vitamin D levels.
Boosts Immune System Function
Vitamin D strengthens your immune system, helping your body reduce the risk of frequent colds and other viruses.
Elevates Mood & Mental Clarity
The sunshine vitamin helps regulate neurotransmitters in the Nervous System like serotonin and dopamine and has been shown to reduce the risk of anxiety and depression while improving focus and cognitive function.
Builds Stronger Bones
Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium, keeping your bones strong and reducing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis. Without enough Vitamin D, your body may struggle to keep the Locomotor System strong.
Improves Heart Health
Vitamin D helps regulate blood pressure by working on the cells that line your blood vessels and the smooth muscle cells. When your Vitamin D levels are low, it’s linked to higher risks for heart problems.
Regulates Blood Sugar
Natural sunlight plays a key role in boosting Vitamin D, which helps improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels. Adequate levels may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. On the other hand, artificial light—especially exposure to outdoor artificial light at night—has been associated with an increased risk of diabetes.
Reduces Inflammation
Vitamin D helps modulate your Immune System’s inflammatory response, decreasing chronic inflammation linked to autoimmune diseases, heart disease, and metabolic disorders.
Combats Fatigue and Muscle Pain
Beyond its role in bone health, Vitamin D supports muscle function and fiber maintenance, reducing the risk of muscle weakness and fatigue, particularly in older adults.
Beyond Vitamin D: More Benefits of Morning Sunlight
While Vitamin D is essential, natural light benefits your health in many other ways that artificial light doesn’t.
Regulates Your Body’s Clock
Natural light contains a full spectrum of wavelengths, including blue light, which helps regulate the circadian rhythm. Exposure to the blue light in sunlight in the morning signals to your brain that it’s time to wake up and be alert, setting you up for a productive day. This exposure also helps produce melatonin when it’s time for bed! Say goodbye to restless nights!
Enhances Eye Health
Natural light benefits your eye health in ways that artificial light just can’t. Regular exposure to sunlight reduces eye strain and may even lower the risk of nearsightedness, especially in kids.
Promotes Productivity and Focus
Ever noticed how you feel more energized and focused after getting the benefits of the morning sun? That’s because natural light in workspaces improves concentration and productivity. In contrast, too much time under artificial light can make you feel drained.
Supports Skin Health
Moderate exposure to sunlight can improve certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema, by reducing inflammation and promoting healing. While overexposure can be harmful, short bursts of morning sun can have therapeutic effects on your skin without the damage associated with excessive sun exposure.
Why You Should Choose Natural Light Over Artificial Light
Artificial light, such as from phones or indoor lighting, can disrupt your natural rhythms and lead to poor sleep, eye strain, and even hormone imbalances. In contrast, natural light provides a balanced spectrum of wavelengths that your body craves, helping you stay alert, focused, and full of energy.
Even though treatments like red light therapy have their place, they can’t completely replicate the wide-ranging benefits of morning sun.
How to Get Safe Sun in Today’s World
We know the importance of getting enough sunlight, but how do you do it safely? Here are some tips for soaking up the benefits without the risk:
- Early is Best: Aim to get sunlight in the early morning when UV rays are less intense, which reduces the risk of skin damage while still getting the natural light benefits.
- Limit Midday Exposure: Avoid direct sunlight during peak hours (10 AM to 4 PM), when UV rays are strongest. This can help prevent sunburns and long-term skin damage.
- Expose More Skin (Safely): When possible, expose larger areas of skin (arms, legs, face) to sunlight for around 15-30 minutes. The amount of sun needed for optimal Vitamin D varies for everyone, with research suggesting anywhere from 6 to 30 minutes a day, depending on factors like skin tone. People with dark skin tones may need more sun exposure, as the body’s ability to produce Vitamin D from sunlight decreases with increased melanin.
- Consider Your Location: If you live in northern areas with less sunlight, you may need extra time outdoors or light therapy during winter months.
Mimicking Natural Light Indoors
If you can’t always get the benefits of morning sun, here are ways to reduce your reliance on artificial light and bring more natural light into your daily routine:
- Use Daylight-Mimicking Bulbs: Full-spectrum light bulbs can help simulate natural daylight, which is an excellent option for your workspace or home.
- Limit Screen Time: Reduce blue light exposure from phones and computers, especially in the evening. Use blue light filters or apps that adjust screen warmth to prevent strain.
- Sit Near Windows: Position yourself by a window to let in natural light, even on cloudy days.
- Take Breaks Outside: Even a short walk outside during the day can provide your body with much-needed natural light.
- Try Light Therapy Lamps: These can be especially helpful during the dark winter months to elevate your energy and mood.
Natural light is your body’s best friend. So whenever possible, step outside, soak up those rays, and let the powerful benefits of the morning sun do its work. Your body—and mind—will thank you.
As you explore the benefits of morning sunlight, bioenergetic testing can help you identify any imbalances in your body and optimize your exposure for maximum health gains.
