Why is morning sunlight important?

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Morning sunlight is crucial for setting our circadian rhythms, which regulate alertness and sleep patterns 1. It stimulates the release of cortisol, a hormone that promotes wakefulness and supports a healthy immune system 2. This exposure to sunlight also suppresses any residual melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleepiness, and enhances metabolism 3. More importantly, light viewing early in the day is the strongest signal to the brain for maintaining alertness throughout the day and ensuring a good night's sleep 4.

Morning Sunlight

Andrew explains the importance of morning sunlight for setting the rhythms of the brain and body, suppressing melatonin, and assisting with falling and staying asleep. He suggests getting outside alone or with someone, with your kids, or with your dog, and doing this practice at least 80% of the days of your life. If you miss a day, try and get next to a window or extend the duration of sunlight viewing in the morning for twice as long the following day.

Huberman Lab

Sleep Toolkit: Tools for Optimizing Sleep & Sleep-Wake Timing | Huberman Lab Podcast #84
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Sunlight exposure impacts the body's biological cascades, affecting various organs, including the liver, gut, heart, and brain, placing them on a healthy daily path 2. Even in overcast conditions or when the light is dim, a longer duration spent outside can be beneficial 5. The practice of getting morning sunlight should be followed consistently for optimal benefits 1. If consistent exposure to natural sunlight isn't possible, finding alternatives like SAD lamps can be considered 6.

Overall, regular morning sunlight exposure is recommended to improve daytime mood, focus, alertness, metabolism, and nighttime sleep 4 7.

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