You know that feeling of finally emerging from a long winter and being hit with those first few sun rays of the season. It feels amazing! But as much as you love soaking up some vitamin D, it’s important to remember that the sun has both positive and negative effects on your health. You’ll learn three of each, starting with the positive effects of the sun:
Boosts your mood
When you wake up to a sunny day, you can’t help but feel a little better, even before you’ve had your morning coffee. There’s just something about the sun that makes us feel happy and energetic. And it turns out there’s actually a scientific reason for this. The sun boosts your mood by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain.
Serotonin is a chemical that helps regulate mood, and low serotonin levels are linked to depression. So, when you get some sun, your body produces more serotonin, which can lead to improved mood and increased energy levels. So next time you feel down, take a few minutes to step outside and enjoy some sunny weather. It might just be the pick-me-up you need.
Improves your sleep quality
The sun has a big impact on your sleep quality. Exposure to sunlight helps to regulate your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, known as your circadian rhythm. In the morning, the bright light of the sun helps wake you up and prepares you for the day. In the evening, the sun’s light starts to dim, and this cues your body that it’s time to start winding down for the night. This natural process is called phototherapy, and it’s been shown to be an effective treatment for insomnia.
So if you’re having trouble sleeping, spending some time in the sun each day can help improve your sleep quality. Just make sure to limit your exposure to sunlight in the late afternoon or evening, as this can actually make it harder to fall asleep.
Lowers your blood pressure
You might not think of the sun as having an effect on your blood pressure, but spending time in sunlight can actually help to lower your blood pressure. Studies have shown that exposure to sunlight increases nitric oxide production in the body. Nitric oxide is a molecule that helps to relax and widen blood vessels, improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure.
In addition, sunlight exposure can also help to increase levels of serotonin. This chemical has been linked to lower blood pressure. So, next time you’re stressed, take a walk in the sun and let the light help lower your blood pressure.
Now that you know the positive effects of the sun, it’s time to remember that it can also pose serious health risks. Here are the negative effects of the sun on your health:
Dries your skin
The sun can be a great source of vitamin D and happiness, but it can also take a toll on your skin. Unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause sunburn, premature aging, and even skin cancer. Luckily, there are ways to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful effects.
One of the best things you can do is buy products for dry skin online. This will help you find products specifically designed to hydrate and protect your skin. Additionally, a skincare routine like this can be good for cosmetics because it can help you achieve that dewy, healthy skin look. Taking these simple precautions allows you to enjoy all the benefits of sunshine without putting your skin at risk.
Increases your risk of skin cancer
UV rays from the sun can damage your skin and increase your risk of skin cancer. In fact, exposure to UV rays is the main cause of skin cancer. Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, and it’s on the rise. Every year, millions of people are diagnosed with skin cancer. Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, kills thousands of people each year.
The good news is that skin cancer is preventable. The best way to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays is to use sunscreen and stay in the shade when possible. Wearing protective clothing, such as a hat and long sleeves, can also help. Taking these simple precautions can help reduce your risk of developing skin cancer.
Damages your eyesight
You may not realize it, but every time you look at the sun, you’re causing damage to your eyes. The sun emits ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is invisible to the human eye but can be harmful. UV radiation can cause many issues, including cataracts, macular degeneration, and pingueculae. It can also lead to temporary conditions such as inflammation of the cornea (known as photokeratitis) and blindness. In fact, studies have shown that exposure to UV radiation is the leading cause of preventable vision loss in the United States.
So next time you head outdoors, protect your eyes with sunglasses or a hat. And if you’ll be spending extended periods in the sun, remember to apply sunscreen to your eyelids to help keep your peepers safe from harmful UV rays.
So there you have it. The next time you’re debating whether or not to head outside for a little sun, keep these pros and cons in mind. And remember, moderation is key—too much of anything, even something as harmless as sunshine, can be a bad thing. So enjoy those sunny days—but don’t forget the sunscreen.
