The Power of Morning Sunlight: Unlock Increased Alertness, Energy, and Improved Sleep at Night
I walked my neighborhood in the early morning in 45 degree weather, which is extreme for San Diego. I was cold at first, bundled in my ski jacket and hat. After a short while, I was warmed by my blood circulating in my body and the brilliant sun.
I was mesmerized by the brilliant way the sunlight lit up the trunk of this tree. I reflected how nature is incredible and lights us up, too.
When sunlight hits our retinas and skin, it regulates our circadian rhythm, which is our body’s internal clock that decides when we should wake up and go to sleep.
Our alignment with the sun and moon cycles is our natural state and a place where healing and vibrant aging takes place.
This is why shift workers, who are awake much of the night and do not get daytime sunlight, often suffer with health issues. Since we are natural beings, who thrive when we are in sync with the sun and moon cycles, when we have insomnia and other sleep issues, we may be unwell because our body simply is out of balance.
The science behind sunlight and circadian rhythm is fascinating. Sunlight triggers the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with improving mood and boosting energy levels.
It also stimulates melatonin production later in the day, which helps us wind down and fall asleep when darkness comes. Melatonin also has been shown to have antioxidant and anticancer effects, plays a role in the regulation of blood pressure and glucose levels, is highly anti-inflammatory, and lowers the risk of infection and mortality.
Here are the standard and emotional benefits of an early morning walk:
Improved alertness during the day
Increased energy levels throughout the day
Reduced stress and anxiety levels
Improved moods and mental clarity
Improved quality of sleep at night
Ideally, you want to get at least 30 minutes of natural sunlight exposure within 30 minutes of awakening. You want to avoid eye contacts and sunscreen, too, to get the full benefits of the sun.
So, if you’re having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep at night, try this hack! It just may make you glow like the trunk of this tree!
Drop an emoji in the comments below if you plan on making an early morning walk part of your daily routine to sleep better and Age Vibrantly!
#circadianrhythm #sleephacks #earlymorningsun #melatonin #serotonin #movement #alertness #vibrancy #vibrantaging #reducedstress #reducedanxiety #improvedmood #improvedmentalclarity #sleepquality #restorativesleep #sunandmooncycles