How should I view light, when the sun is always shining in the north
How should I view light, when the sun is always shining in the north
How do people adapt to constant sunlight?
How do people adapt to constant sunlight?
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Adapting to constant sunlight, especially in northern regions with extensive daylight hours during certain seasons, involves specific strategies for maintaining hormonal balances and overall well-being. Here are some insights shared by Dr. Andrew Huberman on Huberman Lab:
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UVB Exposure: Dr. Huberman discusses a study where participants adapted their exposure to natural UVB light by spending about 20-30 minutes outside two to three times a week, wearing minimal but culturally appropriate clothing. Such exposure, especially to face and arms, resulted in beneficial hormonal changes, including increases in beta-estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone 1.
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Daytime Light: Even in cloudy conditions, outdoor light provides significantly more beneficial UV exposure than indoor artificial light. Dr. Huberman emphasizes the importance of letting sunlight reach your eyes and skin indirectly to harness its benefits without causing damage. Specifically, he advises against wearing highly reflective sunglasses or accessing sunlight through windows which block UVB 2.
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Circadian Rhythms: Moreover, in extremely northern or southern regions where daylight duration significantly differs across seasons, maintaining a regular 'light diet' is crucial. Dr. Samer Hattar, also on Huberman Lab, explains that even amidst constant light, there would be minor variations in intensity detectable by the body, which help regulate the internal circadian clock. Balancing exposure across different times of the day and adapting behaviors like using blackout curtains during sleep can help manage these effects 3.
Sunlight's Hormonal Effects
Andrew explains how exposure to sunlight, specifically UVB light, can affect our hormones and mood. A study showed that getting outside for about 30 minutes, two or three times a week in a minimum of clothing, and yet still wearing enough clothing that is culturally appropriate, can increase beta-estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone in both men and women.
Huberman Lab
Using Light (Sunlight, Blue Light & Red Light) to Optimize Health | Huberman Lab Podcast #68123
These strategies are part of a broader adaptation process aimed at maintaining a stable internal environment despite the challenging external light conditions.