Are you familiar with the impact of sunlight on mental health? Well, we just changed the clocks and now we are finally seeing the sun again after what seemed like the longest and darkest winter season. You may not have realized how low your moods were until you saw the sun for the first time in a long time. It’s actually quite a rush, isn’t it? I don’t know about you, but I look a lot like the person in the picture above when the sun decides to shine.
Serotonin and melatonin
There is actually a science behind this phenomenon. Darkness is known to increase a chemical in the brain called melatonin, which makes your mood feel low, calm, and even sleepy. Melatonin increases every night when the sun goes down and we wind down to go to sleep. However, in the winter, since the sun isn’t really shining, more melatonin is released in our brains making us feel lethargic or for some, depressed.
Sunlight, on the other hand, increases a chemical in our brain called serotonin, which helps our brain feel happy. We tend to experience these feelings more often in the spring and summer when the sun isn’t as shy. That being said, Vitamin D, which comes from sunlight, helps improve your mood.
The power of vitamin D
Vitamin D is a nutrient that sunlight provides for our bodies and brain. It is powerful in helping restore and heal both our body and our mind. Researchers believe that Vitamin D deficiencies can play a role in some mental illness. Some of those disorders include: depression, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia, seasonal affective disorder, and some eating disorders. Research also shows that many Americans are Vitamin D deficient, especially individuals of color. Needless to say, it is important to find a way to increase your Vitamin D intake whether that be through sunlight, light therapy, or supplementation (with consultation from your doctor).
Summarizing the impact of sunlight on mental health
Melatonin and Serotonin are chemicals in your brain that either increase or decrease based on the presence or absence of sunlight. Sunlight also increases Vitamin D in the body and brain which ultimately improves your mood. That is why most people feel happier and more alive in the spring and summer. If you are someone who experiences low moods in the winter and more elevated moods in the spring and summer, you might want to talk to your doctor about your Vitamin D levels. Soak up that sun while it’s out! Your brain and body will thank you. Also, don’t forget your sunscreen!
About Therapist Nicole Koronkowski, LSW – Barnum Counseling
References
https://www.verywellmind.com/the-mental-health-benefits-of-sunlight-5089214
Photo by Zac Durant on Unsplash