Can you discuss the impact of sunlight on mental health

The Impact of Sunlight on Mental Health

Much like how a plant needs sunlight to thrive, there's much to be said about how sunlight affects our mental health. Various research has noted the array of benefits sunlight has on our bodies, including our psychological wellbeing.

Vitamin D and Mental Health

The most direct way sunlight impacts our mental health is through the production of Vitamin D. Our bodies synthesize Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, specifically the ultraviolet B radiation it contains. A deficiency of this vitamin can lead to mood disorders such as depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) (University of Michigan Health, n.d.).

Sunlight and Circadian Rhythm

Long-term exposure to natural light is crucial in managing our biological clock or circadian rhythm. This rhythm is responsible for when we feel awake or sleepy. Without guidance from the sun, it can become disoriented, leading to mental health disorders such as insomnia and other sleep difficulties (Carruthers & Miller, 2015).

Sunlight and Serotonin Production

Sunlight has been proven to stimulate the production of serotonin a hormone that helps to boost our mood and keep us calm and focused. Lower levels of serotonin are associated with a higher risk of major depression with seasonal pattern (previously known as seasonal affective disorder or SAD) (Lam et al., 2006).

Conclusion

Evidently, sunlight plays an essential role in our mental health. Be it through vitamin production, the regulation of our internal body clock, or the stimulation of positive hormones, the sun does so much more than just lighting up our world.