How does sunlight affect mental health and mood?

Weather of Arabia - Humans instinctively tend to be attracted to sunlight and bright spaces, whether at home, at work, or outside, as dark homes and workplaces often carry a negative connotation, but some may not know the reason!

The attraction of humans to light is due in origin to biological and psychological reasons, and there is a close link between the sun and mood, which we will learn about in this article, and to the positive effects of the sun, and how we can better integrate it into our lives.

What does the sun do for us?

The human body makes vitamin D when it is given sufficient amount of ultraviolet (B) radiation. There are two types of vitamin D: they are (D2) and (D3), where the body converts (D2) stored under the skin into (D3) with the help of Sunlight, which is the usable form in the body, then the body uses the active form of vitamin D in many vital processes in the body, and the following are some of these processes and the benefits of vitamin D:

Vitamin D benefits

Vitamin D in its active form assists in various processes in the body, such as: the absorption of calcium, phosphorus, and other vital nutrients, and it is known that vitamin D is important for bone growth and rebuilding, cell growth and immune system function, and it can help reduce inflammation in the body , which is believed to contribute to cardiovascular disease, cancers, and many chronic inflammatory disorders, and vitamin D, along with calcium, helps reduce osteoporosis in the elderly.

Scientists have found that there is a link between low vitamin D levels and various mood disorders . The vital nutrient also increases the body's sensitivity to insulin. It is important for the body to maintain insulin sensitivity to avoid type 2 diabetes, which can occur when a person's body becomes resistant. for insulin.

How does sunlight affect mental health?

The moderate sunshine continues to gain attention in the health community as one of the best natural resources for the body. Research has found that being in nature in the presence of sunlight reduces stress, and that sunlight is associated with positive effects on mental health, especially in people with mental disorders. Here are some of these disorders and their relationship to sunlight:

Obsessive-compulsive disorder and sunlight

Some researchers believe that vitamin D deficiency can contribute to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and rare cases of seasonal obsessive-compulsive disorder have been reported, especially in cold climates and times of limited exposure to the sun during the winter months, and one of the effective treatments in these cases is "phototherapy," where a person is exposed to bright light for a period of time to increase vitamin D levels

The sun and cases of depression and anxiety

Some research has shown that getting an adequate amount of vitamin D, especially from the sun, improves mood and reduces symptoms of depression. Vitamin D receptors are present in all parts of the brain, and many parts of the brain are areas associated with mood disorders. High levels of anxiety correlate with low vitamin D levels.

Sunlight association with seasonal affective disorder

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is gaining attention among medical professionals as a mental health disorder that affects many people during the winter months, when there is less sunlight.

One of the benefits of sunlight that can help people with seasonal affective disorder is its effect on melatonin production. Melatonin is a chemical that helps regulate the sleep cycle and helps people sleep better. People who are exposed to sunlight early in the day make melatonin earlier. at night, making it easier to fall asleep.

Sunlight also helps people with seasonal obsessive-compulsive disorder, and seasonal affective disorder can sometimes be treated with solar light replacement therapy, especially in areas with less natural sunlight.

Other psychological disorders and their relationship to sunlight

Some research has found that exposure to sunlight in the first year of an infant's life can reduce the risk of developing schizophrenia, and it has also been found that vitamin D levels in people with schizophrenia are lower than the average person. Sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D production in people with schizophrenia.

People with bipolar disorder may experience a worsening of symptoms when fall and winter come with less sunlight, and light therapy may relieve symptoms in people with bipolar depression.

Other mood enhancers

One study on vitamin D and mood disorders highlighted the fact that “it is possible that people who spend time outdoors may be more physically active,” concluding that “ it is important to consider whether it is sunlight alone or in combination with physical activity. ” Associated with improved mood" , as walking outdoors is also associated with improved mood , and the positive effects they feel after exposure to the sun may also be a result of their physical activity.

How you can get more sunshine in a safe way

The benefits of sunshine are plentiful, and the best way to expose yourself to more sunlight, and thus get more vitamin D, is to spend more time safely outside. Brief, safe sun exposure with sunscreen and daytime use can help. The lower risk of sunburn helps boost vitamin D levels.

Consider exercising outside in nice weather and taking short breaks at work in the sun. If you're a business owner or CEO, consider incorporating the natural environment and sunlight into your workspace and employee hangouts. People who seek to bring more sunlight into their days may see benefits in their mental and physical health.

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