Have you ever noticed that feel good sensation you get when sunshine hits your bare skin? You know exactly what I am talking about. That feeling that makes you just want to close your eyes and enjoy the rays. Well, there is a scientific reason why it feels so dang good, so let’s get a little sciencey…
Health Benefits of Sunshine – The Science Behind it
The Release of Serotonin
Science has shown a connection to exposure to sunshine and the release of serotonin in the brain. According to the Hormone Health Network, “Serotonin is the key hormone that stabilizes our mood, feelings of well-being, and happiness. This hormone impacts your entire body. It enables brain cells and other nervous system cells to communicate with each other. Serotonin also helps with sleeping, eating, and digestion.” Simply put, serotonin makes us feel good!
Regulates Your Circadian Rhythm
Exposure to natural light can help regulate your circadian rhythm and help you sleep better. According to Select Health, “Research indicates that an hour of natural light in the morning will help you sleep better. Sunshine regulates your circadian rhythm by telling your body when to increase and decrease your melatonin levels. So, the more daylight exposure you can get, the better your body will produce melatonin when it’s time to go to sleep.”
Release of Melatonin to Stress Less
As stated above sunshine can help improve the regulation of melatonin. Not only does melatonin help us sleep better, but it can help us stress less.
Best Source of Vitamin D
Sunshine is the best way to absorb vitamin D.