Why is morning sunlight important?
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Morning sunlight is critical for several reasons:
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Regulates Circadian Rhythms: Exposure to morning sunlight helps set your brain and body's internal clock, promoting wakefulness during the day and better sleep quality at night. This process involves a cortisol peak early in the day, which is essential for overall alertness and immune function 1 2 3.
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Boosts Mood and Mental Health: Morning light exposure has been shown to significantly improve mood, focus, and alertness. It helps mitigate symptoms of depression and anxiety by regulating the production of key hormones like cortisol and reducing melatonin levels in the morning 4 5 6.
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Improves Metabolism and Physical Health: Consistent exposure to morning sunlight not only enhances sleep-wake cycles but also positively impacts metabolism, potentially through better sleep quality. This results in improved cognitive performance, physical strength, and overall health 3 7.
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Recovery Mechanism: If you miss a morning sunlight session, getting twice as much exposure the next day can help reset your body's rhythms. This flexibility helps maintain regular sleep and wake cycles even with occasional disruptions 4.
To maximize these benefits, it’s recommended to get outside for 10-30 minutes in the morning, ideally without sunglasses or through windows, as these can filter out crucial wavelengths of light 4 2.
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