Explore 5 Benefits of Basking in the Morning Sun

Circadian Rhythm Regulation: The morning sun, known as the circadian rhythm, helps regulate the body’s internal clock. Exposure to natural light in the morning signals to our bodies that it is daytime, helping us feel awake, alert, and ready to start the day. It can also improve sleep quality, mood, and overall energy levels.

In addition to the morning sun, exposure to natural light throughout the day also plays a crucial role in regulating our circadian rhythm. The amount and intensity of natural light we receive during the day helps synchronize our internal clock, making it easier for us to fall asleep at night and wake up in the morning.

Research has shown that individuals exposed to natural light during the day have better sleep quality and duration than those predominantly exposed to artificial light. Natural light helps suppress the melatonin hormone, making us tired and ready for sleep.

Natural light exposure during the day may also improve cognitive function and productivity. Studies have shown that individuals who work in environments with ample natural light are more alert and focused, leading to increased productivity and reduced rates of eyestrain and fatigue.

Eye Health: Moderate exposure to the morning sun can benefit eye health. The early morning sunlight is generally less intense, reducing the risk of harmful UV radiation. Sunlight exposure also helps regulate the body’s dopamine production, a neurotransmitter that maintains proper eye health.

In addition, the morning sun stimulates the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep patterns. It promotes better sleep at night and improves overall eye health by allowing the eyes to rest and recover properly.

Morning sunlight also significantly reduces the risk of myopia or nearsightedness, especially in children. Studies have shown that children who spend more time outside in the morning have a lower risk of developing myopia compared to those who do not. Natural light may help build the eyes, encouraging them to focus on objects in the distance rather than constantly focusing on near tasks like reading or using digital devices.

Additionally, the morning sun may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) exposure. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 50 and is often associated with prolonged exposure to harmful UV rays. By getting moderate sun exposure in the morning, individuals can lower their risk of developing this eye condition.

Vitamin D Production: Exposure to sunlight helps the body produce Vitamin D, crucial in maintaining healthy bones, regulating immune function, and supporting overall well-being. The morning sun is optimal for vitamin D synthesis because the ultraviolet B (UVB) rays that stimulate vitamin D production are most abundant during this time.

UVB rays are responsible for converting cholesterol in the skin into vitamin D. When exposed to sunlight, the skin absorbs UVB rays, triggering a process that converts a form of cholesterol called 7-dehydrocholesterol into vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol. This inactive form of vitamin D then undergoes further transformations in the liver and kidneys to become an active hormone called calcitriol.

Calcitriol is essential for the body to absorb and use calcium and phosphorus, two minerals vital for maintaining strong and healthy bones. It helps regulate the levels of these minerals in the blood, ensuring they are available for normal bone growth and remodeling.

In addition to its role in bone health, vitamin D also plays a crucial role in regulating immune function. It enhances the function of immune cells and helps the body fight off infections and diseases. Studies have shown that individuals with vitamin D deficiency are more susceptible to respiratory illnesses, autoimmune diseases, and even certain types of cancer.

Melatonin Regulation: Morning sunlight helps regulate melatonin production, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Sunlight exposure in the morning can help suppress melatonin production, making you feel more awake and energized during the day while promoting better sleep at night.

In addition to regulating sleep-wake cycles, melatonin also plays a crucial role in boosting the immune system. Exposure to sunlight in the morning can enhance melatonin production, thereby strengthening the immune response and helping the body fight off infections and illnesses more effectively.

Furthermore, lack of sunlight exposure, especially in the morning, can disrupt melatonin production and lead to imbalances in brain chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine. It can contribute to conditions like seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or general feelings of low mood and depression. By getting enough morning sunlight, you can maintain a healthy balance of melatonin and improve your overall mood and well-being.

Moreover, melatonin regulation through morning sunlight exposure has shown promising effects on cognitive function. Studies have suggested that melatonin may support memory, attention, and overall cognitive performance. By ensuring sufficient exposure to sunlight in the morning, you can enhance these cognitive functions and improve your mental clarity and focus throughout the day.

Mood Enhancement: Morning sunlight exposure triggers the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that affects mood and happiness. The morning sun’s bright light can stimulate the production of serotonin, leading to improved mood, reduced symptoms of depression, and enhanced overall well-being.

Exposure to morning sunlight releases serotonin and endorphins, natural chemicals in the brain that help reduce stress, relieve pain, and promote a sense of calm and relaxation. This combination of serotonin and endorphins can significantly enhance one’s mood and overall happiness levels.

To conclude, spending time in the morning sun can increase our exposure to the outdoor environment, positively affecting mood and mental health. Being surrounded by nature, breathing in fresh air, and enjoying the beauty of the natural world can all contribute to a sense of tranquility, peace, and improved overall well-being.

So, whether taking a morning walk, sitting by a sunny window, or simply stepping outside to soak up the early sunlight, incorporating morning sunlight into our daily routine can profoundly affect our mood, happiness, and mental health.

Learn more about the benefits of morning routines at Banyan Botanicals.