Does sunlight exposure affect your sleep cycle?
We all are looking for more ways to be healthy and sleep better. Researches now say the amount of sunlight you get in a day may have a positive correlation to better rest after the sun goes down.
In a study on Stanford’s Lifestyle Medicine website, the relationship between sunlight and sleep comes down to our natural circadian rhythms.
This sleep-wake cycle of our internal clock can be influenced by various stimuli throughout the day, but it is most heavily influenced by changes in light exposure. Light is considered the major influencer helping our body to understand when to do certain activities—like sleeping and waking. When we are exposed to light, especially bright light like natural sunlight, it has a big effect on our circadian rhythm.
Many people in the modern day workforce are working from home in small spaces, or in dimly lit office buildings. This leaves little time for sunlight exposure during the day, especially during winter months when there is less light.
So what are we to do if this is our lifestyle? Even going outside for 30 minutes in the morning can make a big difference in reseting your circadian rhythm. Start your day with a quick outside walk to help give you better rest at night!
Read the article in full HERE.
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