Sunlight and its influence on our well-being
Its impact on the human circadian cycle is a particularly fascinating aspect. It is this cycle that decides when we feel energetic or tired. It is directly influenced by the intensity, duration and cycles of light exposure .
Exposure to light in the morning can advance the circadian cycle . In other words, it can help us wake up earlier and feel more alert during the day. Furthermore, the effect of sunlight on melatonin production is just as significant. Melatonin is the hormone that promotes sleep. During the middle of the day, lots of exposure to natural light can reduce the production of this hormone, thereby increasing our level of arousal.
The relationship between light and visual comfort is well understood, but its impacts on physiology remain to be explored. For example, it is important to provide privileged access to natural light in indoor environments. Not only for reasons of lighting and architectural layout, but also to contribute positively to our biology and well-being.
Sunlight and Vitamin D: a Crucial Relationship
The role of sunlight in the synthesis of vitamin D by the human body is well established. Indeed, when the skin is exposed to sunlight of sufficient intensity, it produces vitamin D. This vitamin is essential for our body: it notably allows the absorption of calcium and phosphate in our body, which is crucial for the development and preservation of our bones and teeth.
It is important to emphasize that exposure to sunlight must be moderate and controlled by adequate protection methods, because too prolonged exposure can have harmful effects on the skin and general health. Therefore, a balance is necessary to reap the benefits of vitamin D and protect against the damage caused by too much exposure to sunlight.
It is important to remember that the intensity, duration and cycles of exposure to light can influence the production of vitamin D by our body. For example, exposure to morning light can be beneficial for advancing the circadian cycle and increasing our vitamin D levels.
The negative effects of excessive sun exposure
You should know that sunlight , despite its many benefits, can also cause less beneficial effects when exposure is excessive. One of the key factors to consider in the impact of light on the body is the intensity , duration and cycles of light exposure . Indeed, high exposure to natural light, especially in the middle of the day, can cause a series of undesirable physiological reactions.
Excessive exposure can reduce melatonin production and increase arousal levels. This can ultimately disrupt the circadian cycle, which is essential for proper regulation of sleep and alertness. Furthermore, exposure to light in the morning can advance the circadian cycle, which can cause a discrepancy with natural sleep times.
Furthermore, depending on the orientation of your windows, natural lighting may vary throughout the day. For example, west-facing windows promote brightening at the end of the day, which can dampen circadian stimulation.
Too much exposure to the sun is linked to certain diseases, particularly those related to aging. It is therefore important to regulate our exposure to light and adapt our environment for optimal brightness, both for our visual comfort and for our physiology.
