VERIFIED CONTENTAuthor: Klaudia Kierzkowska, graduate of chemistry at the University of Warsaw

In autumn and winter, when there is much less sunlight, fatigue, drowsiness and deterioration of mood are not uncommon. Sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D, which has a beneficial effect on our body. How does the lack of sun affect our he alth?

Sunlight is essential for life and normal functioning. When the sun is shining, we feel a surge of vitality and we will feel like living. In turn, the lack of sun makes energy, enthusiasm and well-being a thing of the past.

Depressed mood

Thanks to the light receptors in the eyeball, light acts on the brain. The sun's rays are converted into a nerve impulse that reaches the brain structures - mainly the pineal gland and hypothalamus, where, depending on the intensity of the light, it stimulates the amount of secreted hormones.

A large amount of sunlight stimulates the nervous system, which has a beneficial effect on our mood and well-being. In turn, the lack of sun, especially in the autumn and winter period, contributes to the disruption of hormone secretion, and thus the deficiency of serotonin or noradrenaline. As a consequence, mood and well-being deteriorate.

In the Scandinavian countries or in the Arctic Circle, where the amount of sunlight is very limited or completely absent, more emotional disturbances are observed. People struggle with depression and commit suicide more often.

Sleepy

The lack or significant limitation of access to sunlight means that the pineal gland, a small but extremely important gland in the brain, begins to produce melatonin, which is a sleep hormone. Thus, we start to feel tired, drowsy and lose energy to act.

Biological clock out of order

The influence of the sun on the mechanisms responsible for the biological clock is enormous. The body's circadian rhythm depends on sunlight, and exposure to sunlight accelerates or slows down the waking and rest times.

However, the lack of or insufficient sunlight disrupts the natural wake-sleep cycle, disrupting the body clock.

Consequently, the following may appear:

  • economic disturbancehormonal,
  • problems with concentration,
  • irritability,
  • headaches,
  • energy drop
  • and increased need for sleep.

Weakened immunity

One of the key aspects of accessing sunlight is the production of vitamin D3, often referred to as the sunshine vitamin. Its proper level in the body improves immunity and makes us less susceptible to diseases.

In turn, the lack of access to sunlight significantly reduces its production and reduces immunity.

Deterioration of he alth

The correct level of vitamin D3 produced under the influence of sunlight reduces chronic inflammation, reduces the risk of certain cancers and makes the blood flow more efficiently in the veins. Additionally, it strengthens bones and is essential for proper bone growth and development in children.

The lack of sunlight and the vitamin deficiency of the sun has a negative effect on our he alth. One of the most common causes of rickets in children is vitamin D deficiency.

In turn, the equivalent of adult rickets is a metabolic bone disease called osteomalacia.

Increased appetite for sweets

Lack of sunlight is also associated with a greater appetite for sweets. Depressing weather, short and dark days, too little vitamin D3 make us more likely to reach for a bar or a cookie, which, at least to some extent, improves mood.

Thus, sun exposure is one way to maintain a he althier weight.

How to counteract the effects of a lack of sunlight?

For most people, the perfect day is full of sunshine. While in the summer we can enjoy the wonderful properties of the sun, in the autumn and winter there are definitely fewer sunny moments.

That is why it is so important to stay in the sun in the spring and summer as long as possible, but you should use common sense in everything. Similarly, in autumn and winter, we should not avoid walks and active recreation in the fresh air.

To make up for the shortage of solar energy, it is worth going on vacation to a place where there is plenty of sunlight. Let's not forget about physical exertion, which causes the secretion of happiness hormones and is a great way to cool down the fall / winter blues.

Particular attention should be paid to the daily menu, which should be rich in fruit, vegetables and silage to strengthen immunity.

There must be products that are a natural source of vitamin D, for example :

  • meat,
  • jaj
  • or sea fish.

Sorryeven by consuming the right nutrients, we are not able to cover 100 percent. demand for vitamin D (and only about 20 percent), therefore it is worth starting supplementation in September.

Category:

He alth