{"id":36013,"date":"2021-07-02T09:30:04","date_gmt":"2021-07-02T13:30:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=36013"},"modified":"2026-04-24T14:37:55","modified_gmt":"2026-04-24T18:37:55","slug":"benefits-of-sunlight","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/benefits-of-sunlight\/","title":{"rendered":"10 benefits of sunlight for your health"},"content":{"rendered":"

It’s summer, and, for many people, that means spending time outdoors. Getting some sunlight on your arms and face every day can be beneficial to your body and mind. Of course, skin cancer is a major concern and should be taken seriously. It’s important to make sure you’re protecting your skin from ultraviolet\u00a0 (UV) radiation from the sun, but as long as you\u2019re taking precautions, soaking up a few daily rays can have positive effects on your health.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the benefits of being in the sun?<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are plenty of good things the sun can do for you. Those big health benefits come from the visible light of the sun (the light we can see versus the more harmful UV light we can’t) and the vitamin D your body makes when your skin is exposed to the sun. Here are some benefits of sunlight for your health.<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Support better sleep<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Uplift your mood<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Increase energy<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Improve symptoms of mental health conditions<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Lower blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n
  6. Lower risk of metabolic syndrome<\/span><\/li>\n
  7. Heal inflammation<\/span><\/li>\n
  8. Prevent cancer<\/span><\/li>\n
  9. Stronger bones<\/span><\/li>\n
  10. Extend life expectancy<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    1. Support better sleep<\/h3>\n

    “Sunlight supports better sleep and sets people\u2019s circadian rhythms by regulating the levels of serotonin and melatonin,” explains <\/span>Alexis Parcells<\/span>, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon, owner of Parcells Plastic Surgery, and founder of SUNNIE Wrinkle Reducing Studio. Melatonin is a hormone that is produced in the body in the evening when it’s time to prepare your body for sleep. Waking up to bright light tells your body to stop making melatonin, setting your body up for your day. According to research<\/span>, if you get an hour of light in the morning, you can sleep better at night.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n