Sunshine's Many Benefits

Sunlight plays on Butcherknife Creek - June 2020

​​Colorado is known for its abundant sunny days. According to a Google search, Colorado boasts 300 sunshiny days to Florida’s 230, even though Florida nabbed the Sunshine State title. 
Especially noticeable after a cloudy day (or hour), the way we feel after some time in the sun speaks for itself. Usually we feel energized, our outlook is brighter, and we’re in a pretty good mood. Read on to learn more about the sun’s benefits.

Not just about the D
When our skin is exposed to direct sunlight our body sets about producing vitamin D. Supplementation with vitamin D has become a common strategy in recent decades, with concern about too much sun exposure causing skin cancer.

But sunlight does more than just help us produce vitamin D. For example, sunshine helps set our circadian rhythms, regulating serotonin and melatonin levels, so that we sleep better at night. Interestingly, sunlight that enters our eyes affects areas in the retina which trigger the release of serotonin, the “feel-good” hormone. Some people experience SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) with the shorter winter days (less chance for the sunlight to help create serotonin), and light therapy can help. Healthline article on the Benefits of Sunlight.

Sun exposure may have other important health benefits. In this Karger Journal Review, authors found a correlation between increased sun exposure and decreased blood pressure and cardiovascular mortality, independent of vitamin D. 

Sunlight can even lessen pain! This Medical News Today article explains that UVB rays cause the skin to produce beta-endorphins. Here are a few of the beta-endorphin benefits: reduce pain and depression, help wounds heal, increase alertness, and improve mood. 

Moderation in all things
Lest we get the bright idea to run around outside all day without protection, the article also gives a suggested time limit of 15 minutes in the sunshine before coating yourself with sunscreen.

​Originally published August 2022