Basking in the Sun's glory

Rithu Dravid

It’s summer time, pick up a pair of sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat whenever you are and just step outside. You have probably been warned ever since you were a kid about the dangers of becoming a sunburnt lobster. Yes, getting too much sun is dangerous for your skin, but don’t let that stop you from getting some at least. Forget choking down a chalky vitamin every morning, just get outside for a bit and let the sun do its thing.

But did you know the truth beneath a sunny sky? “Sunshine, a blessing to mankind, a mood elevator and an excellent disinfectant.” says Dr Summaya. So, go for a walk, listen to the birds, and let the sun warm your skin. It will boost your mood, and provide you a myriad of health benefits. When the sun hits your skin, your brain is triggered to release a hormone called serotonin. Serotonin is associated with boosting your mood and helping you feel calm and focused. Without sun exposure, your serotonin levels dip. This can be associated with a higher risk of major depression and feeling down in the dumps.

There is a scientific reason the sunshine improves your mood. Increased exposure to natural light may help ease the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder--a change in mood that typically occurs in the fall and winter months when there are fewer hours of daylight.

Vitamin D is another health benefit given to us by our oldest pal in the sky. Our bodies produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. This plays a big role in bone health and in preventing bone diseases like osteoporosis and maintaining the required calcium levels. Exposing the arms, hands and face to sunlight for five to fifteen minutes a day can get you your daily value, and do wonders. The sun loads your body with beneficial vitamins and hormones.

Sunlight reduces stress and supports better sleep. The body creates a hormone called melatonin that is critical in helping you sleep and also lowers stress. Sunbathing regulates your circadian rhythm by telling your body when to increase and decrease your melatonin levels. So, the more daylight exposure you can get, the better your body will produce melatonin, when it’s time to go to sleep.

Spending time outdoors in the sun can lower your blood pressure. The nitric oxides stored in the top layers of the skin react to sunlight and cause the blood vessels to widen as the oxide moves into the bloodstream. That, in turn, lowers blood pressure.

While there are plenty of good things about the sun, it’s important to balance catching rays with protecting yourself from sunburn and skin cancer. Finally, it’s important to note, if you’re going to be outside for more than 15 minutes, you should protect your skin. Applying a good sunscreen lotion of at least SPF 15 and the idea of wearing a protective hat is a good idea. Dr Suganda, a dermatologist, says it’s important to remember, “There is no such thing as a health tan. The best thing you can do to keep your skin looking young and healthy and prevent fine lines and wrinkles is to use sunscreen on your face daily.”

Doctors may not be prescribing sunlight therapy yet. But if you find yourself in the doldrums after hours at your desk, it might not hurt to get up and look for some light, as long as it comes from the sun, not the ceiling.