After walking for 10 minutes in the scorching sun, what’s the very first thing you think of? I know you want the sun to go away, for all the right reasons.
Why is sunlight important?
You might think this because of the damage it does to your skin, but is sunlight that bad? This is not the case ! Think about the plants that depend on this sunlight to prepare their food, and ultimately all other life forms depend on it.
Why only plants, what about animals that survive in colder climates, sunlight allows them. Just like plants and animals, humans also depend on sunlight for many of their activities of daily living. Think about your children, who basically need the sun for a healthier body. According to best child specialists in Multan, newborns who remain deprived of sunlight develop jaundice.
Benefits of sunlight for human health
The importance of sunlight for human health cannot be denied. Whether children, young people or the elderly, everyone depends on sunlight for better health. While sunlight requirements can vary from person to person, no one can deny its importance. If you are still confused, I suggest you read on to learn about the health benefits of sunlight.
1- Better quality of sleep
Quality sleep is important for human health for obvious reasons. However, not everyone is lucky enough to get quality sleep. If you are also suffering from this then don’t worry, a lot of people are struggling with this. Before trying sleeping pills or artificial supplements, try this method called sunbathing. Sitting in the sun can help regulate the hormone melatonin which is responsible for your quality sleep.
Exposure to sunlight reprograms your body’s circadian cycle by increasing or decreasing the secretion of the sleep hormone or melatonin.
2- Sunlight gives you healthier bones
There has been enough discussion about the role of vitamin D in our bone health. Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones and stronger muscles. Vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium in the body which plays a key role.
The human body is capable of producing vitamin D, but it requires exposure to natural light to do so. So sitting outside for a few minutes can help your body make more vitamin D, which is needed for better bone and muscle health.
3- control stress levels
The hormone melatonin is not only limited to better quality sleep, but also has a substantial impact on our stress levels. The presence of melatonin helps reduce your body’s response to stress. Reduced stress levels are not only good for your physical but emotional well-being. When you spend time in natural light, your body’s stress responses are self-regulating, allowing for better stress control.
4- Have a better immune system with sunlight
Sunlight also helps strengthen your immune system. We already know what an immune system means to us. It allows us to fight against pathogens, protecting our health. Sunlight helps promote immune function by increasing the production of vitamin D in our body.
What are some things to consider when sitting in the sun?
We have already discussed the benefits of sunlight for human health. Now the question arises as to how long to sit in the sun and what precautionary measures should be followed.
Keep in mind that there is no ideal limit for sitting in the sun, but 15 minutes of sun exposure is sufficient. Here are the things to keep in mind when sitting in the sun.
- Do not expose yourself to direct sunlight.
- Avoid sun exposure during peak hours.
- Prolonged exposure to the sun is bad for you, so be sure to keep your eyes on time.
- Always apply sunscreen whenever you sit in the sun to prevent skin damage and limit the risk of skin cancer.
Final result
Sunlight is important to us. From newborns to the elderly, sunlight is important for everyone. Sunlight improves the quality of your sleep, improves immune function, fights symptoms of depression, and more.
However, when sitting in the sun, be sure to take enough precautionary measures to protect your skin from long term damage and get the right benefits. You can also consult your dermatologist to help you choose a better sunscreen that might prevent skin damage.
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