How Sunlight Affects Mood and Sleep
Sunlight plays a crucial role in many different aspects of our life we don’t even consider. Sleep and mood are factors heavily impacted by the amount of sunlight you consume every day. Understanding the profound impact of sunlight on our daily lives emphasizes the importance of embracing natural light to promote better health and overall well-being.
How Sunlight Plays a Part in Sleep
Sunlight plays a crucial part in Sleep, controlling our circadian rhythm, sleep quality, sleep time, and much more. Light plays a central role in regulating the circadian rhythm also known as the body’s internal clock. A small part of the hypothalamus essentially controls the circadian rhythm through the circadian pacemaker. Once light enters the eye and is sensed, it is carried to the brain and this process is what the brain uses to interpret the time of day. With this information, the brain sends signals to the rest of the body to function in accordance to the time of day including releasing melatonin at the right times. Although, in modern society, artificial light tends to confuse the circadian pacemaker, leading to disrupted circadian rhythms. Too much or ill- timed artificial light exposure leads to such disruptions. However, when natural lighting is consumed at the right times, one’s natural circadian rhythms are strengthened, allowing for higher quality sleep. Harnessing the power of natural light is essential for maintaining a balanced circadian rhythm and improving overall sleep quality
How Sunlight Plays a Part in Mood and Health
Mood is greatly affected by sunlight due to the release of hormones like serotonin. Serotonin also known as “the happiness chemical” is crucial in mood. In fact people who live in countries with less sunlight can get seasonal depression or seasonal affective disorder especially during colder months. When the sunlight hits our bodies , serotonin is released and a lack of it makes for a lower mood. To fight seasonal depression caused by lack of sunlight, a Norwegian town called Rjukan used rotating mirrors to reflect sunlight downwards into the valley where the town was located. Norway isn’t the only country , many northern countries often show severe depression rates, pushing them to make artificial light. Thus it is crucial we recognize the importance of sunlight in our moods. Acknowledging sunlight's impact on mood underscores its essential role and the necessity of incorporating natural light into our daily lives to combat seasonal challenges.
Sunlight is an essential element of our lives, profoundly influencing both sleep and mood. By regulating our circadian rhythms and boosting serotonin levels, sunlight helps us achieve higher-quality rest and emotional stability. Recognizing its significance not only highlights the importance of natural light but also urges us to embrace it as a powerful tool for improving our overall well-being and combating modern challenges like disrupted sleep and seasonal depression.
Written By: Akshara Padit
Sources:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2728098/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22572-serotonin