5 Reasons to Love the Sun More

Lisa Franchi January 12, 2015

The sun doesn’t always shine bright in the country. That is why it is important that we take advantage of it when it is there. Moderate sun exposure has been linked to a wide range of health benefits, from skin health to better immune function and sharper mind. However, the timing and duration is an important factor when it comes to how our bodies metabolise sunlight.

Below are some of the major benefits of moderate sun exposure:

Bone Health

Whilst calcium receives most of the recognition in terms of boosting bone health, it cannot achieve its purpose without vitamin D. Such nutrient stimulates the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the body. People with high levels of the sunshine vitamin in the blood are at a lower risk of suffering from bone fractures of all types. On the other hand, low levels of the nutrient are associated with higher rate of fractures. In a recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, there was a direct correlation between bone density and vitamin D3.

Mental Health

Emerging research suggests a link between vitamin D and lower risk of depression. Insufficient levels of this essential vitamin may lead to seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Whilst this condition is common during winter season, it is also common in people who work long hours in office buildings and hardly get out for some sun. So what happens in our brain when we receive sufficient amount of sunlight? According to a 2002 study published in the Lancet journal, during sunny days, the brain produces more serotonin – the “feel good” chemicals that lift mood and ward off symptoms of depression.

Vitamin D does more than make you feel good. Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that Alzheimer’s patients exposed to bright light had fewer symptoms of depression, night-time wakefulness, agitation and lost less function than those exposed to dim daytime lighting. The researchers attributed these improvements to more regular circadian rhythms.

Sleep Quality

Getting sufficient amount of vitamin D can boost your quality of sleep too. Sunlight gives your body a clear signal that it’s no longer night, and this helps to maintain a normal circadian rhythm. And when the sun sets in the afternoon, your body gets the signal again and you feel tired and drowsy at bedtime. Vitamin D enhances the production of melatonin – the hormone that regulates our body’s circadian rhythm, leading to better sleep quality.

Improved Skin Health

Whilst too much sun exposure can cause serious skin problems and increase a person’s risk of skin cancer, just the right amount of sunshine can actually be good for your skin. According to a 2008 study published in the journal Clinics Dermatology, a four-week outdoor sunbathing therapy was successfully used to significantly clear symptoms of psoriasis in 84% of subjects.

Stronger Immunity

One reason why vitamin D is often a part of treatments for autoimmune disorders like psoriasis is that this essential nutrient can actually suppress an overactive immune system. Furthermore, vitamin D boosts the production of white blood cells, which has a key role in fighting diseases and defending the body against infection. Therefore, moderate sun exposure is very helpful for your immune system.

So how much sunlight is enough? Experts recommend no more than 15 to 20 minutes of direct sunlight daily for a healthy adult. After that, apply sunscreen with a minimum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30. Remember that there are some factors to consider in determining how much sun exposure you should get. These include your skin colour, where you live and how much skin you expose to the sun. For instance, people with pale skin are prone to burns, and have an increased risk of skin cancer if exposed to too much sunlight.