How Morning Light May Help You Be Healthier

Getting up early in the morning and being exposed to morning light is a great way to start the day. It adds a sense of calmness as well as helps us obtain some much-needed vitamin D. Here are just a few of the many benefits of morning light:

Improved Sleep

Morning light can help you to naturally regulate the melatonin production in your body, which is essential for a good night’s sleep. Exposure to natural light in the morning helps reset your internal clock and promotes healthy sleep patterns. 

Also read: Sleeping Habits Of Newborn That Every Parent Should Know

During the COVID-19 pandemic, one study of 700 persons revealed that those who spent one to two hours per day outside or in a brightly lit area were less likely to have sleep difficulties.

Stress Reduction

Morning sunlight has been proven to reduce stress levels throughout the day. Studies have shown that sunlight triggers the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps  regulate mood and reduce anxiety. In an experiment(Hyperlink) for a three-week period, 30 healthy male participants got bright-light intervention for 30 minutes every day. The light source used the same wavelength range as daylight, which is also the wavelength range used in light therapy lamps.

Prior to the experiment, the volunteers got MRI scans of their brain activity while seeing images of faces with neutral, angry, or terrified expressions.

After three weeks, the researchers discovered the following:

• The brains of the individuals responded less to faces that showed fear or anger.
• The brain's ability to control the "fear centre" was enhanced.

Improved Focus and Productivity

Early morning light helps to keep you alert and focused throughout the day. This is especially beneficial for people who work in an office setting, as natural light helps promote better concentration. 

Boosted Immunity

Sunlight helps to strengthen our immune system, as it stimulates the production of vitamin D, which is essential for a healthy immune system.

Also read: 6 Winter Fruits To Boost Your Immunity

The most well-known benefit of sunlight is its capacity to increase the body's supply of vitamin D. Most cases of vitamin D deficiency are caused by a lack of outdoor sun exposure. At least 1,000 distinct genes are estimated to be controlled by 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 (1,25[OH]D), the active form of the vitamin.

Skincare Treatments

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), sun exposure may also help treat a variety of skin diseases. UV radiation exposure has been advocated by doctors to treat:

• Psoriasis
• Eczema 
• Jaundice 
• Acne

While light therapy is not for everyone, a dermatologist can advise you on whether it will help with your unique skin conditions.