What light can do for your brain

What are the benefits of sunlight? We take many things for granted in life, one of which is the sun!

I think you don`tt reflect enough on the gift of life, the cosmos, the universe and .. the sun. Yes, it seems that we take for granted the progress of events, our health and our abilities. Yet it is surprising just to realize. Thanking the universe is not trivial.

Sunlight and serotonin

While too many hot rays of the sun can be harmful to the skin, the right balance can have many mood-lifting benefits. Sunlight and darkness trigger the release of hormones in the brain. Exposure to sunlight is believed to increase the brain`s release of a hormone called serotonin. This is associated with raising mood and helping a person feel calm and focused. At night, darker lighting signals activate the brain to produce another hormone called melatonin. This hormone is responsible for helping a person feel drowsy and go to sleep.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Without sufficient exposure to sunlight , a person`s serotonin levels can drop. Low serotonin levels are associated with a higher risk of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD is a form of depression triggered by the change of seasons.

An increase in mood isn`t the only reason to get more? of sunlight. There are a number of health benefits associated with catching a good amount of sunlight. moderate rays.

MENTAL HEALTH
Sunlight and mental health

According to the Mayo Clinic, reduced sun exposure has been associated with a decrease in serotonin which can lead to SAD. you are more likely to experience SAD in the winter when the days are shorter and the nights longer. One of the treatments for SAD is light therapy, which is also known as phototherapy . A doctor may recommend a special light box designed to stimulate the brain to produce serotonin and reduce excess melatonin production.

Exposure to sunlight may also help those suffering from non-seasonal depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and in pregnant women with depression, according to the Journal of Psychiatry amp; Neuroscience. Anxiety-related disorders and panic attacks have also been linked with the changing of the seasons and the reduction of sunlight.

The light-induced effects of serotonin are triggered by sunlight < / span> that crosses the eye. Sunlight stimulates the special areas of the retina, which activate the release of serotonin.

BENEFITS
Additional benefits of sunshine

The benefits of sun go beyond just fighting stress. While researchers don`tt always have an exact measurement of how long you should be out to reap these benefits, the following are some of the other reasons to catch some rays.

Building strong bones
Exposure to ultraviolet-B radiation in the sun`s rays does s? A person`s skin creates vitamin D. According to one study, over a 30-minute period while wearing a bathing suit, people will get the following levels of vitamin D:

50,000 units (IU) in most Caucasians
20,000 to 30,000 IU in tanned people
8,000 to 10,000 IU in dark-skinned people
The vitamin D produced by the sun has an important role in bone health. Low vitamin D levels have been linked to rickets in children and degenerative bone diseases such as osteoporosis and osteomalacia.

Although the excess sunlight can contribute to skin cancers, a moderate amount? of sunlight has cancer prevention benefits. Those who live in areas with fewer daylight hours are more likely to have a number of cancers than those who live where there is? more sun during the day, according to a study by Environmental Health Perspectives. These cancers include:

According to the World Health Organization, sun exposure can treat several skin conditions for the right person. Doctors have recommended UV radiation exposure to treat psoriasis, eczema, jaundice, and acne. While light therapy isn`t for everyone, a dermatologist can recommend whether light treatments will benefit skin problems.

Additional conditions

Research studies have revealed preliminary links between sunlight as a potential treatment for a number of conditions. However, further research before sunlight can be a conclusive treatment for these and other conditions.

SUN SECURITY

Sunlight and moderation
While there are many good reasons to sunbathe for mood, the sun`s rays have ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The sun`s rays can penetrate the skin and damage cellular DNA. This can lead to skin cancer.

The definition of a quantity? excessive exposure to the sun depends on the type of skin and the direction of the sun`s rays. People with lighter skin typically get a sunburn more quickly with sun exposure than others who have darker skin. Additionally, a person is more likely to get a sunburn outside when the sun`s rays are most direct. This usually happens between 10:00 and 16:00

If you plan to be out for more than a short 15 minute period, ? a good idea to protect your skin. You can do this by applying a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15. Wearing a protective hat and shirt can also help.

PERSPECTIVE

Adding a little sunshine to life by going out more can relieve anxiety and reduce depression. If you live in higher latitudes with little sunlight, a light box can provide some mood-enhancing benefits. From treating skin conditions to strengthening bones, sunlight has other health benefits as well.

Excess sun exposure is associated with an increased risk of skin cancer, avoid going outside for long without sunscreen. If you plan to be outside for more than 15 minutes or so, you will need sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 minutes