Sun

Sun

Lifestyle Levers
Get Out In the sun

We are made to get sun through our eyes, on our face, and on our skin every day of our lives. From sun up to sun down and there are distinct benefits to sun exposure during every part of every day.

Benefits of the sun

  • IMPROVED CIRCADIAN RHYTHM

That’s an unnecessarily fancy way of saying consistent sleep/wake schedules. Having consistency in your sleep timing will do more for your daily recovery than you could probably measure. The moment you wake up, you’re prepping your body for the following evening’s sleep and recovery.

  • INCREASED FOCUS

Getting sun on your face and eyes signals your body that it’s time to start your day. This can increase productivity and focus as it signals the brain to begin important, time regulated functions.

  • INCREASED VITAMIN D

Sun exposure stimulates the production of vitamin D in your body. Vitamin D is responsible for strong bones because it regulates the absorption of calcium, but it also regulates other functions like boosting your immune function and staving off diseases. Getting that sun every day allows for consistent production of vitamin D so you can stay strong and fit for any task.

  • IMPROVED COGNITIVE FUNCTION

Studies have shown that the vitamin D you produce in response to sunlight boosts cognitive function.

  • DECREASED RISK OF MYOPIA

Studies have linked an increased risk of myopia in children who get inadequate outdoor time throughout their early lives.

How to get Sun exposure

  • Prioritize sun exposure at key points in the day to reap all the benefits.
  • Early morning sun is low in the sky and less intense, so it primes your skin for more intense midday sun sessions. It also signals the production of serotonin, which enhances your mood. Full spectrum sunlight through the eyes sends signals to the brain that initiate the synthesis of cholesterol in order to begin the production of Vitamin D and prime you for midday sun as well. It also signals the production of adenosine, which is responsible for energy regulation throughout your day.
  • Mid-day, high in the sky sun is the most intense and offers the most bang for your buck when it comes to vitamin D. This is due to the intensity of the UVB rays put out by the sun during this time.
  • Start slow to avoid burning. If you are new to the sun, get consistent exposure everyday. Studies show that those who get sun exposure on a consistent basis are less likely to develop melanoma than the weekend warriors who get infrequent, intermittent, and excessive sun exposure.
  • If you know you are going to spend an excessive amount of time under the sun and must use sunscreen make sure you use one with zinc oxide. It does the job and is not absorbed into the skin… That’s why it stays visible when applied.
  • Evening, red sun through the eyes signals your brain to initiate the production of melatonin. This helps you wind down in order to get quality, restorative sleep. Avoid blue light after this evening sun exposure.

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For more information on proper sun exposure, email us at

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