The worldwide pandemic has resulted in human beings spending more than 90% of their time indoors. In these times, they get exposed to artificial light during late evening hours. In comparison to the previous generation, people get less exposed to natural light now. The disruption in the light-dark cycle profoundly impacts the circadian rhythms, sleep pattern, and regular schedule.
Sunlight is essential for converting cholesterol into vitamin D, which helps build strong bones and plays a vital role in the immune system. There is a rumor that sunlight helps in protecting the individual from Coronavirus. It is significant to evaluate this fact so that you have proper evidence regarding sunlight’s health benefits.
Michael Giannulis Explains the Significance of Sunlight to Fight Coronavirus
- The human body is regulated by circadian rhythms, that is, the cycle of behavior and biology, which makes a person feel alert during the day and sleepy at night. Rhythm falls under a set of cells located at the back of the eyes.
Behind the cones and rods, these cells enable the brain to construct images. They become popular as intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells.
- Brains receive signals from these light-sensitive cells to control alertness. According to Mike Giannulis, only an hour of low-intensity blue light may increase the reaction to speed. It is beneficial if you aim to be awake and limit your sleep.
- Regular exposure to sunlight keeps the circadian rhythm working correctly. It gets connected with low depression scores and better sleep quality. Further, the cells also get linked to the thalamus, which is related to mood.
- Doctors recommend their patients to have more access to sunlight because it directly relates to increasing the body’s number of immune cells. Hence, there is an evident link between some viral infections and vitamin D levels in the body. Studies reveal that people infected with COVID-19 required less intensive care if they take vitamin D. However, other studies have not found a positive link between Coronavirus and sunlight. Nonetheless, the significance of sunlight and vitamin D, particularly for the bones, is undoubtedly established. It is pronounced in the winter months when people have enough sunlight exposure, which produces vitamins in their skin.
Ways You May Increase Your Exposure to Sunlight Every Day
- You may do some exercises every day in the sunlight, even if you are going for a walk.
- Open the curtains as soon as you wake up to let sunlight and air get into your rooms.
- Limit your usage of bright artificial light in the evening.
You may purchase the color changing bulbs so that you may benefit from blue light and warm-colored light in the day and evening, respectively.
There is a lot of room to learn about the way light and darkness affects the human body. Nonetheless, studies reveal sunlight plays a crucial role in reducing stress, maintaining healthy bones, strengthening the immune system, and fighting off depression.
Therefore, it is advisable to increase your daily dose of vitamin D to remain healthy during a pandemic.
