Sadly, very few of us are getting the natural sunlight we need to enjoy our best health. While we should all be striving to get outside as much as we can, getting exposure to the morning sunlight is a great place to start. Exposure to morning sunlight is a powerful tool to support our circadian rhythm, energy levels, hormone balance, metabolism, and sleep quality.
Our bodies operate on an internal clock known as the circadian rhythm, which regulates various physiological processes, including hormone production, digestion and metabolism. Cortisol & Melatonin are MASTER circadian hormones- and these hormones actually impact all of your other downstream hormones!
Cortisol rises in the morning with the sun, peaking around noon, then declines through the afternoon so that it is low after the sun sets. Cortisol should be low at sunset in order for melatonin to be produced in response to darkness so that we are able to sleep through the night.
Exposure to natural light, particularly in the morning, helps to synchronize this internal clock and signaling to our bodies that it’s time to wake up and start the day. This exposure to morning sunlight helps suppress the production of melatonin, while simultaneously boosting cortisol for energy and serotonin for mood regulation..
Sunlight exposure helps to regulate the production of cortisol, which plays a role in our energy, but also in our metabolism and appetite regulation. By establishing a healthy circadian rhythm through consistent morning sunlight exposure and getting to bed on time, it becomes easier to maintain a healthy weight and manage cravings throughout the day.
Morning sunlight can significantly enhance quality of sleep. Exposure to natural light in the morning helps to reinforce our body’s internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep at night so we can enjoy restorative sleep. By establishing a consistent routine of morning sunlight exposure, women can optimize their sleep-wake cycle, promoting deeper, more restful sleep and waking up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
By aligning with our body’s natural rhythms and harnessing the benefits of sunlight, we can optimize hormone balance, metabolism, energy levels, and sleep quality. So, step outside, bask in the morning sunlight, and embrace the gift of nature’s healing rays for a healthier, happier you.
