4 Health Benefits Of Sun Exposure - Walla! health

2020-08-15T04:42:59.846Z

In the last few months we have all been out much less than we are used to, so even though August and the heat are awful, we thought it was a good time to mention that sunlight also has positive sides, as long as you are exposed to it to some extent

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4 health benefits of sun exposure

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Improving mood

Scientists have discovered that sunlight can affect central nervous system function - especially when it comes to serotonin levels. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter produced in the hypothalamus and helps brain cells and other nerve cells communicate with each other. It has diverse roles in regulating our sleep and eating, however its most recognizable role is responsibility for stabilizing our mood, our sense of well-being and overall level of happiness.

Seasonal depression sufferers often report improvement in symptoms in the spring and summer months. A woman walks down the street holding an ice cream cone (Photo: ShutterStock)

Sunlight helps the body release serotonin, so during periods when we are not often exposed to it, such as in winter for example, the hypothalamus produces less serotonin. This increases the chance of developing symptoms of depression and anxiety, which can develop into conditions of seasonal mood disorder (also called: seasonal depression). This disorder is typical of the fall and winter months, and sufferers often report an improvement in symptoms in the spring and summer months, when daylight hours lengthen.

Increasing the production of vitamin D in the body

Sunlight plays an important role in the production process of vitamin D in the body, which has many health benefits. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and mineralize. Mineralization is a process that describes the formation of bone structure, and its transformation into a hard and strong material.

Exposure to sunlight is the main way to get vitamin D, although it is important to understand that sunlight itself does not contain the vitamin. The UV rays that come from sunlight cause the skin to produce the vitamin when it comes in contact with it. Studies have shown that maintaining adequate levels of this vitamin in the blood has been found to be associated with reduced risks of developing a variety of diseases, including multiple sclerosis and also several types of cancer.

It is important to understand that sunlight itself does not contain the vitamin. Vacationers sunbathing on the beach in Palma de Mallorca (Photo: Reuters)

Prevention of myopia

Studies have shown that children who spend more time in sun exposure are less likely to develop myopia. A review of studies published in 2012 by the American Academy of Ophthalmology found that for every hour that children (up to the age of 20) spent outside, the likelihood of them developing myopia in the future dropped by 2 percent.

Dr. Christopher Starr, an ophthalmologist at Whale-Cornell School of Medicine, said in an interview with Business Insider that children should spend between one and three hours outdoors each day to encourage dopamine production in their bodies. However, it is important to know that sun exposure will not be able to reverse myopia that has already developed and been diagnosed in children.

Children who play outside suffer less from myopia. Girl playing ball on lawn (Photo: ShutterStock)

Improving sleep quality

Sunlight plays a vital role in regulating our internal clock. This mechanism, also known as the 'circadian clock', directs our behavior according to the time of day, and dictates our times of anesthesia, sleep and eating. Light is one of the most significant factors that move the hands of this watch.

The circadian clock must go through a daily process of synchronization with the environment, so it adapts itself to the light hours that change according to the seasons or to a situation where we move to a different time zone (remember there were once flights?). This synchronization occurs following exposure to light and darkness. Regular exposure to sunlight trains the brain to fall asleep when it gets dark, which in itself helps you sleep better at night.

How much sun exposure do you need?

It is difficult to set a sweeping standard that will suit each person as to the duration of exposure to sunlight that will allow the production of a sufficient amount of vitamin D. For many, 10-15 minutes of sun exposure a day is enough. However, this can vary depending on factors like skin color, geographical elevation and proximity to the equator.

Do not forget to use a sunscreen. Woman uses protective spray (Illustration: ShutterStock)

It is important to know that with age the ability to produce vitamin D is impaired. People over the age of 65 produce only a quarter of the amount produced in the bodies of young adults. Skin color also affects the production capacity of vitamin D, dark skin produces less of it. Therefore, people who belong to these groups may want to take vitamin D in the form of a dietary supplement. It is important to know that in extreme cases it is possible to reach an overdose of the vitamin (by taking supplements), which can cause health damage.

Of course one should not forget the dangers involved in sun exposure, so even during the time it is recommended to be exposed to the warm rays protective measures should be taken like applying a sunscreen with protection of at least 30 Spf.

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4 Health Benefits Of Sun Exposure - Walla! health

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