We All Know Something About The Sun
Which makes it necessary for our bodies. That’s why God chose to hang it above.
But how often do we stay up late?
And when it’s time to wake up to get the most out of that sunrise, especially when the dawn breaks, the snooze button gets violated?
We often snuggle under our blankets for 5 more minutes, not knowing that that sunshine could greatly improve our sleep the next day.
And for those who seem too busy to stop and relish in the beauty of the morning sunshine because dawn finds them in an Uber or matatu to work, it may be time to reconsider.
Even though most modern-day activities happen indoors, there’s something magical about the early morning sunlight you might miss out on.
Check out these 5 convincing reasons why you shouldn’t miss those precious rays.
1. Reset Your Circadian Rhythm and Improve Sleep
The circadian rhythm is your body’s internal clock, guiding your sleep-wake cycle over 24 hours.
Morning sunlight exposure helps reset this clock by regulating melatonin production, the hormone responsible for making you feel sleepy.
When your eyes are exposed to natural light, your brain signals to reduce melatonin levels, helping you feel more awake and alert during the day.
Consistent exposure to morning sunlight can lead to better sleep quality at night, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up refreshed.
2. Shake Off the Lethargy
Ever wonder why you feel groggy and sluggish upon waking up?
Blame it on sleep inertia. Not adenosine. While adenosine builds up during the day to make you sleepy, it’s mostly cleared during sleep.
However, if you wake up suddenly or during deep sleep, your brain may still be transitioning to full alertness.
Morning sunlight helps signal your brain that it’s time to wake up.
3. Glowing Skin Benefits
Early morning sunlight is a natural Vitamin D, essential for skin health.
Vitamin D helps produce collagen, a protein that keeps skin smooth and supple, aids in repairing damaged skin cells, and reduces acne and inflammation.
Just 10-15 minutes of sun exposure in the morning can give your skin that healthy, radiant glow.
4. Eye Health
While excessive sun exposure can harm your eyes, moderate morning sunlight can be beneficial.
Natural light helps produce dopamine in the retina, which is crucial for healthy eye development and function.
So, step outside and let your eyes bask in the gentle morning light.
5. Enhanced Mood and Feel-Good Hormones
Sunrise is a natural mood booster.
It increases the production of serotonin, the “feel-good” hormone that helps regulate mood, appetite, and sleep.
Higher serotonin levels are associated with better mood and feelings of calm and focus, making you feel more positive and motivated throughout the day.
The Free Antidepressant Drug
So, whether you’ll squeeze the most out of the sun by:
✅ Go for a morning jog or walk.
✅ Braving the laundry heap outside.
✅ Walking your hyperactive dog.
✅ Taking your kid to the school bus.
Make sure you find a way.
And to the boys, here’s our ultimate and possibly only (besides chugging water) skincare routine.
Ladies, feel free to debate whether this fits into your serum and exfoliation extravaganza.
But hey, this isn’t just about your skin!
Set that alarm a bit earlier, step outside, and let the morning sun do its magic.
Trust me, your body and mind will give you a high five!
