We are used to hearing about how overexposure to the sun’s warm rays can be harmful to our skin. However, not many of us are aware of the fact that without enough sun exposure can actually adversely affect our health.
Contrary to what manufacturers of sunscreen have been saying, exposure to exposure to sunlight can help you get essential vitamins and hormones.
Although you can’t see it happening but you can surely feel it. It’s when you walk outside on a sunny day and you get that warm hug feeling right before your nice shirt is stained with pit sweat.
Sunlight and darkness trigger the release of hormones in your brain and it releases a hormone called serotonin. Serotonin is associated with boosting mood and helps a person feel calm and focused. At night, darker lighting triggers the brain to make another hormone called melatonin. This is the hormone which is responsible for helping you sleep.
Your serotonin levels can dip without enough sun exposure, and low levels of serotonin are associated with a higher risk of major depression with seasonal pattern (formerly known as seasonal affective disorder or SAD). This is a form of depression triggered by the changing seasons.
However, a mood boost isn’t only the reason to get enough amounts of sunlight. There are other health benefits also associated with catching moderate amounts of rays.
What does sunlight do for the body?
“When exposed to sunlight the human body produces Vitamin D. Sunlight is the most prominent source of natural Vitamin D, that in turn helps maintain the calcium levels in the body and prevents the bones from being brittle and fragile. Vitamin D deficiency can cause multiple health ailments like weakened bones and deteriorated heart health”, said Dr Tarun Sahni, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi.
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How many hours of sunlight do humans need?
“Soaking in morning sunlight for 15- 20 minutes every day is enough to support the Vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is one of the most essential elements that help regulate and absorb calcium in the body and also acts as a support in strengthening immunity, explained Dr. Sahni.
What happens if you don’t get enough sunlight?
According to Dr. Sahni, adequate vitamin levels are important for the health of the bones and help us build resistance against certain diseases.
What Are the Benefits of Sunlight?
According to Dr. Sahni, exposure to sunlight has multiple benefits:
- Mental Health– Serotin levels in the body have a big role to play for our mental health. health. Lack of sun exposure can cause a decline in serotine levels. This, in turn, can lead to major depression.
- Moderate exposure to sunlight is also beneficial for our skin.