CALL TODAY TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT 1-727-388-0966
How Sunlight And Sleep Work Hand In Hand
Oct 08, 2019
If you are one of the many that have trouble sleeping, the solution might be in a place you did not expect, the morning sun. Morning sunlight, how much and when you get it, actually has a significant impact on your sleep quality.
The first hour in the morning can make or break whether you sleep soundly at the end of the day. For a good night's sleep, you should decrease your light exposure in the evening. However, in the morning you want to aim to do the opposite and ensure you get into a brightly lit environment.
How Sunshine Can Improve Sleep Quality
- Daylight Suppresses Melatonin. Melatonin is a good thing at night when we want to sleep, but when the alarm goes off in the morning, melatonin is not the thing we want coursing through our bodies. Even though we typically think of the sun as yellow, the light it emits is full-spectrum light. It incorporates those same bright blue wavelengths of light your technical devices have, but in a more powerful form. By exposing your eyes to this bright light in the morning, you signal to your brain that it’s time to suppress melatonin production. In response to this light exposure, your brain will increase cortisol production.
- Kickstart Your Day. Cortisol and melatonin work in opposites, when one is high, the other is low. Cortisol and melatonin play a huge part in determining your circadian rhythms and the quality of sleep in general. Their roles are entirely different. Melatonin is produced in the pineal gland in the brain, melatonin helps control sleep-wake cycles. Cortisol is popularly known as a stress hormone and though too-high levels of cortisol can be dangerous, in healthy amounts cortisol is good for you as it is the activating hormone energizes your body and prepares you to meet the day.
- Soak Up The Warmth. Another great reason to up and into the sunshine in the morning is to soak up those warming infrared rays to help signal to the body that day has come. Equally as important as light cycles are for our sleep, temperature cycles are just as powerful. As your body prepares you to wake up, cortisol gets released, energizing your body and warming up your core body temperature. Your temperature usually reaches its highest point during the day before it begins to fall again in the evening, thus signaling to your brain that it’s time to start falling asleep.
- Sunshine And Serotonin. If you were to expose your body, face, and eyes to sunlight your body will increase its production of Serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates everything from mood to sleep. Serotonin is also a precursor to Melatonin. Melatonin is needed for deep restorative sleep. By getting some sun in the morning, it will ramp up production of Serotonin. In turn, after 12 hours or so, this serotonin is then converted into melatonin which helps us sleep later that night.
4 Tips For Getting More Light Exposure
- Be exposed to bright sunlight in the morning. It is recommended that you expose yourself to sunlight shortly after waking. For example, enjoy your coffee outside, or eat breakfast by a sunny window. The natural light on your face will help you wake up.
- Spend more time outside during daylight. Consider taking your work breaks outside in sunlight, exercise outside, or walk your dog during the day.
- Allow as much natural light into your home or workspace as possible. Choose to keep curtains and blinds open during the day, and if working move your desk closer to the window.
- If necessary, use a light therapy box. This simulates sunshine and can be especially useful during short winter days.
The Takeaway
If you struggle to sleep well at night, try regularly exposing yourself to morning sunlight. You may find that your sleep and daytime function improve significantly, and that can have a big positive impact on your life.
Contact us
today! Family Chiropractic Plus
is dedicated to your overall health and well-being. Which is why we offer regular chiropractic adjustments in order to restore your body’s natural state of optimal health, while also providing it with the support it needs to heal from any injury, big or small.
Are you suffering from back pain or seeking relief from muscle tension? If so, chiropractic combined with inversion table therapy might be the solution you've been searching for.
In this sports chiropractic guide, we will explore the various aspects of sports chiropractic, including its benefits, techniques, and the role it plays in promoting optimal athletic function.
Myofascial trigger points, often simply called trigger points, are localized, tender spots in muscles that can cause significant pain and discomfort. These spots are sensitive and can produce sharp, shooting pain or a dull ache in the muscle and even in seemingly unrelated parts of the body, a phenomenon known as referred pain.
At Family Chiropractic Plus, we understand that rehabilitation is essential not only for recovery from injuries but also for preventing recurring issues and enhancing overall physical function. This comprehensive guide explores the depths of chiropractic rehabilitation and how it can significantly impact your health and well-being.
Heartburn, a common symptom of acid reflux or GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), affects millions of people worldwide. While chiropractic therapy and acid reflux may seem unrelated, there is a surprising connection between the two. In this article, we will explore how chiropractic care can help alleviate acid reflux symptoms and improve overall digestive health.
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While traditional medical treatments for diabetes focus on insulin therapy and lifestyle modifications, there is a revolutionary approach that is gaining recognition - chiropractic care. In this article, we will explore the connection between chiropractic care and diabetes management, and how chiropractic treatment can improve the quality of life for individuals with diabetes.
Are you an athlete looking to enhance your performance on the field? If so, you may be surprised to learn that chiropractic care can be a game-changer. In this article, we explore the powerful benefits of chiropractic treatment for prep sports athletes.
Are you looking for ways to incorporate self-checks into your regular health routine? Look no further! In this article, we will explore how self-checks can be a valuable addition to your overall well-being, especially when combined with chiropractic care.
Discover 'How Chiropractic Care Supports the Body's Natural Healing Process' blog for expert insights into holistic health, spinal alignment, and wellness.
Explore 'The Power of Gratitude: Elevating Your Vibrational Frequency' blog for insights on how gratitude transforms lives, boosts positivity, and elevates energy.
