Why is morning sunlight important?

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Morning sunlight is essential for several reasons, as highlighted by :

  1. Setting Circadian Rhythms: Exposure to sunlight early in the day helps set the circadian rhythms of your brain and body. This synchronicity helps regulate the timing of various physiological processes, including the release of hormones like cortisol, which promotes wakefulness and a healthy immune system 1 2.

  2. Improving Sleep: Morning sunlight viewing is a powerful tool for ensuring better sleep at night. Exposure to natural light helps you fall asleep more easily and stay asleep, influencing overall sleep quality 2 3.

    Morning Sunlight

    Andrew explains the importance of getting morning sunlight to set your circadian rhythms and promote wakefulness. He emphasizes that the short pulse of cortisol that comes with morning sunlight is healthy and promotes a healthy immune system. He also gives tips on how to safely get sunlight exposure and mentions that this protocol applies to animals as well.
    Huberman Lab
    Maximizing Productivity, Physical & Mental Health with Daily Tools | Huberman Lab Podcast #28
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  3. Enhancing Mood and Alertness: Sunlight exposure in the morning increases daytime mood, focus, and alertness. This effect is partly due to the suppression of the sleep hormone melatonin. The ambient light stimulates neurons that signal to your brain that it is daytime, setting off cascades that influence alertness and energy levels 4 5 6.

  4. Supporting Metabolism: Morning sunlight also positively affects metabolism, likely as a secondary effect of better sleep quality. Regular exposure to sunlight helps optimize metabolic processes and might have direct benefits for metabolic health 5 1.

  5. General Health: Daily exposure to morning sunlight supports overall mental and physical health. It’s a foundational practice that integrates seamlessly with other morning routines like walks and outdoor activities, benefiting both people and animals 1 3.

Dr. Huberman emphasizes that the benefits are cumulative, so while missing a day occasionally is not a big issue, consistent exposure is key to reaping the full benefits 3.

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