Why is morning sunlight important?

Morning sunlight is crucial for several reasons, according to Andrew Huberman. It helps regulate our circadian rhythms, which are the natural cycles that dictate sleep and wakefulness. Here are key benefits:

1. Wakefulness and Alertness: Morning sunlight triggers a healthy spike in cortisol, a hormone that promotes alertness and supports a healthy immune system. This early cortisol pulse is timed by exposure to sunlight, helping set the stage for your day by promoting energy and focus 1.

2. Improved Sleep: Exposure to morning light helps set a timer for the onset of sleep, making it easier to fall asleep about 16 hours later. This is because the sunlight exposure suppresses melatonin, a hormone that makes you feel sleepy, at the right times 2.

3. Mental and Physical Health: Regular exposure to morning sunlight can improve mood and physical health. It supports better sleep quality and mental alertness throughout the day. A lack of this exposure can start to negatively affect both mental and physical well-being 1.

4. Children and Pets: Just like adults, children and pets also benefit from morning sunlight. It helps set their circadian rhythms and supports overall health. However, care should be taken to protect sensitive eyes from direct sunlight 3.

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To maximize the benefits, it is recommended to get outside each morning, preferably without delay, and spend some time in natural light. If sunlight is not available, turning on bright artificial lights can help to some extent, but outdoor sunlight is much more effective overall 4.