7 Reasons We Need Sunshine this Winter

sunshine

As we, in the southern hemisphere, head into winter, the days get shorter and colder. It becomes increasingly more difficult and increasingly less desirable to spend time outdoors. 

Yet, the sun plays an important role in our health. It is recommended that we get 10-30 minutes of direct sunlight (i.e., outside and not through a window) a day to receive the full benefit of the sun. 

So, let’s look at 7 benefits that the sun gives us to our health. 

 

  • Giving us our Vitamin D:

When we spend enough time in the sun, we are provided with up to 90% of our Vitamin D needs. Vitamin D is extremely important for our immune system, and the lack of it in the winter months is one of the reasons we experience more colds and flus during this time of the year. Vitamin D also helps to slow down the ageing process and protect against a number of different cancers. 

  • Boosting our Immune System: 

A study from Georgetown University found that there was an increase in the movement of T cells in individuals whose skin was exposed to the sun. T cells are a critical part of the immune system which focus on attacking specific foreign particles. 

  • Improving our Moods: 

One of the many positive effects that Vitamin D has on the body is that of an antidepressant. A healthy level of sun exposure, therefore, leads to better moods. With Seasonal Affective Disorder being a real thing, spending time in the sun during the winter months can make a huge difference to your days. 

  • Getting a Good Night’s Sleep: 

A recent Health US News report stated that spending 15 minutes in the sun each day–preferably during the morning–helps to shut off the body’s melatonin production. Melatonin is the hormone that the body releases in the evenings to help us wind down and become drowsy each night. Shutting off the melatonin production in this manner helps to regulate our circadian rhythm (i.e., our body clock), which makes for a better night’s sleep. 

  • Attaining a Healthy Weight:

Nitric Oxide is a protein which slows the development of type 2 diabetes and obesity. In a recent study, researchers at Edinburgh and Southampton University discovered that exposure to UV rays helps release this very protein, thus encouraging a healthy BMI. 

  • Regulating our Blood Pressure:

A study by the University of Edinburgh demonstrated that exposure to the sun’s UV rays can help to lower blood pressure. The results of the study showed that blood pressure levels were significantly lowered for one hour after being exposed to UV rays for two 20-minute time periods. 

  • Helping Us Live Longer: 

A longer and healthier life could be a matter of ensuring you get sun exposure throughout the whole year. A 2014 study found that, over a 20-year period, woman who had the least amount of sun exposure had a mortality rate that was twice as high as those who had the highest amount of sun exposure. 

 

It is important to remember that it is not the sun that causes cancer–rather, it is sunburn. If you are not used to regular sun exposure, it is important to work your way up, beginning with going out for 2 minutes per day, and building up by two minutes at a time each day. Australia has much higher levels of UV than many other places in the world (for example, our levels are 15% higher than those in Europe) so it is important to avoid prolonged sun exposure when the UV index is at its highest. This is generally between 10a.m. to 2p.m. (or 11.a.m. to 3p.m. during daylight saving’s time). 


 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *