What happens if you don’t get enough sunlight?

What happens if you don’t get enough sunlight?
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You already know the dangers of getting too much sun, but what you might not realise is that not getting enough could be bad for your health, too. It’s challenging to take in some rays with the current climate of the coronavirus pandemic that’s urging people to stay home. Although, experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say it’s OK to get some fresh air as long as you are still social distancing and taking precautions.

You might want to head out for a walk, sit on your front steps, or sit near a sunny window if you recognise these signs you’re getting too little sun.

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You’re feeling moody or depressed

You’re feeling moody or depressed
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Insufficient natural light can bring on gloomy moods. Whether you call it cabin fever, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), doctors often chalk up gloomy mood dips to lack of sunshine. “Basically, it comes down to levels of the hormone serotonin in your brain,” explains registered nurse, Wesley Delbridge. “With exposure to bright light, like sunlight, serotonin will increase.” Translation? Catch a bit of sun, and your disposition could get sunnier, too.

Here are some hidden signs of depression to watch out for.

You’re gaining weight

You’re gaining weight
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Along with encouraging the skin to manufacture vitamin D, sunshine supplies the important nutrient nitric oxide, which keeps your metabolism running smoothly and discourages binge eating. A study published in the journal Diabetes found that exposure to UV rays may slow weight gain and ward off diabetes. Another 2017 Canadian study in Nature found that weight gain may be due to a lack of sunlight. More research is necessary on this topic, however, to determine a healthy duration and intensity of sunlight.

Read on for the things you need to know about losing weight.

Your bones ache

Your bones ache
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What might be mistaken as arthritis or fibromyalgia (chronic muscle pain and fatigue) in adults could actually be a vitamin D deficiency due to a lack of sunlight, according to Delbridge. Adults who don’t get enough sunshine, especially in autumn and winter when it’s less inviting to spend time outside, often feel aches and pains in their muscles and bones, or they might feel a bit stiffer in the morning. Nutrients like calcium and collagen work together to build bones, but without a proper dose of vitamin D, the process is interrupted, and “your bones can actually ache and throb,” says Delbridge.

You’re not sleeping well

You’re not sleeping well
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A lack of sunlight could wreak havoc on your body long after the sun goes down. Spending an extended amount of time in artificial lighting or staring at electronic screens causes serious sleep problems. In fact, if you skimp on the sun’s rays by staying indoors, you can throw off your circadian rhythm (your body’s internal clock), which could mean you’re not sleeping deeply enough, and may easily trigger insomnia.

Do you know which are the best vitamins for sleep? Find out here.

You’re sweating excessively

You’re sweating excessively
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Excessive sweating on your forehead, especially if you’re not exercising or overheated, is one of the classic signs that you’re not getting enough vitamin D. If your forehead has a little extra shine (even if your body temperature and activity level is normal), it might be time to ask your doctor about getting your blood checked for a vitamin D deficiency. Even moderately low levels of vitamin D may be linked to a surprising number of health conditions, including diabetes, osteoarthritis, and cancer.

Diabetes: find out what’s new and what’s next here.

You always use sunscreen

You always use sunscreen
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Think more SPF is always better? In reality, the sun’s rays have many benefits, as long as you get exposure in moderation, like the Cancer Council’s recommended 10 to 15 minutes daily. It doesn’t need to be hot or even sunny to reap the rewards of good old vitamin D. Even on a cloudy, chilly day, a small amount of exposure to UV rays can help you live longer and feel happier. “The point is, get out there and feel some light on your skin,” says Delbridge.

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Source: RD.com

 

 

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