Neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman has recently shared valuable insights on the benefits of sunlight in a consolidated Instagram post. Highlighting the effects of sunlight throughout the day, he listed six major takeaways from his research.
Dr. Huberman emphasized the importance of sunlight on physiological changes in the body, including its impact on body temperature, mental health, and performance. He divided the day into five parts, marking them on a schematic that showed the body’s reaction to sunlight. The schematic included hours before waking up, around waking up, throughout the day, evening, and night.
According to Dr. Huberman, exposure to bright sunlight upon waking up boosts various hormones that provide an energy kick. The body temperature increases throughout the day, peaking at mid-day. He advised against consuming caffeine during the temperature dip around lunchtime, as it may affect those sensitive to the stimulant.
Furthermore, Dr. Huberman highlighted the importance of dark exposure at night to improve sleep quality. Avoiding bright lights from 10 PM to 4 AM can help boost the circadian rhythm and combat the decrease in melatonin levels, ultimately enhancing the quality of sleep.
Overall, Dr. Huberman’s research underscores the significant impact of sunlight on various aspects of health and well-being throughout the day, emphasizing the importance of both light and dark exposure for optimal health.