Getting enough sleep is essential for physical and emotional health. It’s important to understand the factors that can influence our natural sleep/wake cycle, and one of the most important elements for promoting good sleep health is regular exposure to morning sunlight.
It has a major impact on the circadian rhythm, the body’s internal clock, and can help regulate how alert and awake you feel when you want to be, as well as making it easier to fall asleep when you need to. The importance of sunlight for promoting healthy sleep habits cannot be overstated.
So, what are the real advantages of exposing yourself to morning sunshine? We explore the ways it can help your sleep cycle, the benefits it provides, and how it can work in harmony with nighttime darkness to help you get the rest you need.
Morning Sunlight and the Circadian Rhythm
The circadian rhythm is an essential internal clock which helps the body’s cells and hormones to function at their peak efficiency. One of its key functions is to regulate when we are awake and when we are asleep. It’s regulated by the amount of light we’re exposed to, so bright morning sunlight can kickstart our body’s natural sleep/wake cycle.
Without adequate exposure to natural sunlight during the day, especially indoors, we can start to feel sleepy and sluggish, even in the mornings. That’s because sunlight stimulates the body’s cortisol production, a vital hormone in making us feel awake, energized and ready to take on the day.
The Benefits of Sunlight Exposure
Sunlight exposure has some excellent benefits for improving sleep. The most important one is the impact it has on circadian rhythm. Exposing yourself to sunshine first thing in the morning helps to set the body’s internal timing for the day, ensuring that it can switch off at night-time and promote deep, undisturbed slumber.
Additionally, it helps to increase serotonin levels, the body’s natural happy hormone, which can improve mood and help reduce anxiety. Serotonin helps us to feel calm and content, and plays an important role in regulating melatonin, the sleep hormone which helps us to relax and fall asleep.
Finally, it can help kick-start valuable outdoor activities. Rather than rely on caffeine to help you feel alert and energized in the mornings, a dose of sunshine can aid concentration and reduce feelings of fatigue. Taking a walk outdoors is a great way to make the most of morning sunlight and enjoy all the added benefits physical activity can bring.
Other Ways to Benefit From Morning Light
- Open the curtains to get a dose of natural light
- Leave the house for a morning walk
- Have breakfast outdoors
- In the winter months, use a SAD lamp to simulate morning sunlight
Conclusion
So, there you have it. Morning sunlight is vital for kick-starting the sleep/wake cycle, boosting serotonin levels and overall mood, and for motivating ourselves to be active and enjoy outdoor activities. If you’re looking for an easy and natural way to improve your sleep and awake refreshed, exposing yourself to natural morning light is a great place to start.