Importance of Sunlight for Mind, Body, and Soul

By Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN, LD 

A sunny day can be the ultimate mood-booster, especially after a long, cold winter. Many people notice a shift in mood and energy when the color outside turns from dreary to bright but may not know just how many benefits sunshine provides. 

From impacts on vitamin D levels, circadian rhythms, and even weight management, the many benefits of sunlight are explored in this post. 

How Sunlight Affects Vitamin D 

Basking in the sunshine can have physiological effects in your body. In fact, the best way to get adequate vitamin D is from sun exposure. When sun hits your skin, it triggers a series of events that lead to vitamin D production. There’s a reason vitamin D is nicknamed the “sunshine vitamin” after all! 

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that’s essential for many bodily functions, including maintaining healthy bones and regulating calcium status. A deficiency of this nutrient may lead to bone diseases, such as rickets in children, or contribute to osteoporosis in adults. 

Other Impacts of Sunlight 

Exposure to sunlight also impacts circadian rhythm by helping your body reset its internal clock and distinguish day from night. Getting sunlight about an hour after you wake up in the morning will help you feel alert during the day and fall asleep more easily at night. 

Finally, sunshine may have a significant influence on mood. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), marked by depression, sleep problems, and low energy, is thought to be related to lack of sun exposure. Sunlight helps regulate the production of serotonin, a hormone tied to mood. Plus, sun exposure is necessary for vitamin D production, which may promote serotonin activity. Getting sunlight may therefore help boost mood and possibly improve symptoms of SAD. 

Sunlight and Weight 

Due to the number of benefits sun exposure provides for the mind and body, it can have positive effects on weight control. When you have sufficient levels of nutrients, sleep well, and feel happy, your weight loss efforts tend to be more successful than when you feel off in any of these areas. 

In addition, research has linked light exposure in the morning to reductions in body fat and levels of hormones that increase appetite. One study in 54 adults found that those who were exposed to bright light early in the morning were slimmer than those who were not. 

Safe Sun Exposure 

It’s clear that getting sunlight can have numerous health benefits. However, it’s important to also protect the skin from sun damage.  

Current recommendations suggest that about 15 minutes of daily sun exposure on your hands, arm, and face during the middle of the day is sufficient for vitamin D production in light-skinned people. You can certainly stay in the sun for longer to reap other benefits, but remember to take precautions. 

Apply sunscreen and/or wear protective clothing after getting your 15 minutes of daily sun exposure to maintain vitamin D levels. If you have dark skin or are at a high risk of skin cancer, speak with your doctor about the best course of action, what you should wear in the sun, and whether you should take a vitamin D supplement instead. 

Note from Healthy For Life Meals: You take care of getting sunshine, and we’ll take care of your meals! Our diet meal delivery provides done-for-you meals that are nutritionally balanced and taste delicious, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time outside. Check out our menus and order today.