Treat Your Mind with Some Sunshine
Ever get the feeling that you’ve been cooped up inside for too long? The anxious feeling that comes with a lack of direct exposure to fresh air and sunlight is a familiar feeling for many Americans — and research suggests the two may be linked. While sun exposure carries the risk of adverse health effects in excess, it can have a positive effect on mental well-being nonetheless.
Solar Therapy
According to the National Institutes of Health, a 2023 study showed a link exists between sun exposure and mental wellness. Researchers found sleep regularity, chronic diseases, and exposure to sunlight all impacted positive well-being. In fact, sun exposure seemed to correlate with positive mental health; as exposure time increased, researchers said, mental health improved.
Similarly, decreased sun exposure has been linked to a drop in level of serotonin, according to Healthline. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter and hormone that transmits messages between nerves in the brain and throughout the central nervous system, affecting functions such as mood, cognition, and memory. As sunlight affects different parts of the eyes, it triggers a release of serotonin in the brain. So, decreased serotonin levels can lead to depressive episodes, which may sometimes occur seasonally; this may explain why seasonal depression is so common in winter months.
Additionally, sun exposure may also benefit those with numerous medical conditions or illnesses, including premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), anxiety-related disorders, and panic attacks. Other benefits of sun exposure may include:
- Build strong bones — Research suggests exposure to ultraviolet-B radiation can prompt the skin to create vitamin D, which can reduce the risk of diseases such as rickets (in children), osteoporosis, and osteomalacia.
- Cancer prevention — Studies show populations living in areas with fewer daylight hours display a higher rate of certain forms of cancer, including colon cancer, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, and prostate cancer.
- Treating skin conditions — According to the World Health Organization, sun exposure has been shown to treat some disorders of the skin, including psoriasis, eczema, jaundice, and acne.
- Other illnesses — Studies show sun exposure may also help treat several other medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease, and thyroiditis.
Stay Safe in the Sun
Despite its benefits, too much of a good thing can be harmful — sun exposure still carries some risks that should be mitigated. Stay in the shade as much as possible when enjoying the outdoors. Cover or shade exposed skin and wear sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection. Remember: Overexposure to ultraviolet radiation can carry serious and even life-threatening consequences, including skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in the United States. So, as you boost your mood with some warm air and sunshine these summer months, stay mindful of the risks and take the steps needed to ensure you get to enjoy many more sunny days.
The providers at Culbertson Memorial Hospital and the Culbertson Clinics are here to provide the care you need to stay safe this summer. Find a provider or visit a clinic near you.