Are you tired of waking up to a blaring alarm clock and feeling groggy for the rest of the day?

Maybe it’s time to consider the wonders of waking up to the sunrise. Not only is it a natural and a more peaceful and gentle way to start your day, but it also has numerous health benefits, particularly when it comes to our Vitamin D3 levels, for which sunshine is the most abundant source and the very powerful infrared rays.

Reset your circadian cycle – Firstly, waking up to sunrise helps regulate our circadian cycle. Our body’s internal clock is influenced by light, especially sunlight. When we wake up to the sunrise, it signals to our brain that it’s time to start the day, helping to align our internal clock with the external environment. Why does that matter? Everything in our body works on rhythms and cycles. Nature works in cycles, and we are products of nature too. Just by aligning our lifestyle with our circadian rhythm, we can improve several aspects of our health, like – sleep quality, energy levels, mood, longevity, metabolism, mood, and overall well-being.

Exposure to infrared rays – Sunrise also provides us with infrared rays that make subcellular melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate our sleep-wake cycle, and getting enough of it can lead to improved sleep quality and duration. So, not only does waking up to the sunrise help us feel more awake in the morning, but it can also help us get a better night’s sleep.

Vitamin D synthesis – Another benefit of waking up to the sunrise is the exposure to UV rays that help in the synthesis of vitamin D within our body. Our body produces Vitamin D when our skin is exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, which trigger Vitamin D synthesis. This form of Vitamin D is biologically inert, which is then converted into a biologically active form in the liver and kidneys so the body can use it to promote calcium absorption, bone mineralization, immunity, hormonal health, and much more. Vitamin D is a crucial nutrient that is involved in many processes in the body and it has been linked to a decreased risk of certain diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, heart disease, and some types of cancer.

One needs direct exposure to the skin for these processes to occur. Taking in the sunshine through the glass window does not suffice. However, it’s important to be mindful of the time and duration of sun exposure appropriate for you. Too much can be harmful too. If the sun starts to burn on your skin, the timing isn’t right. Depending on which country you live in, early morning sun or sun that isn’t burning is the exposure you need for a minimum of 15 minutes to an hour for extraordinary benefits.

For better mood – Beyond the physical benefits, waking up to the sunrise can also improve our mental and emotional well-being. You feel more energized, focused, and clear-headed when you start your day with the sunrise. This can lead to increased productivity, better mood, and an overall sense of vitality and well-being. Watching a sunrise is also connected to better serotonin levels, the body’s feel-good chemical. In contrast, a lack of sunlight can trigger the SAD or seasonal affective disorder, or sundowner’s syndrome, indicating the power of this simple and abundant medicine, i.e., sunshine.

In conclusion, waking up to sunrise can provide numerous health benefits, from regulating our circadian cycle and improving our sleep quality to boosting our immune system and mental clarity. So, next time you’re struggling to get out of bed, try waking up to the sunrise and see how it can transform your day, health, and overall life.

– Luke is a Holistic Lifestyle Coach – Integrative and Lifestyle Medicine and Founder of You Care – All about YOU by Luke Coutinho.

– Luke is a Holistic Lifestyle Coach – Integrative and Lifestyle Medicine and Founder of You Care – All about YOU by Luke Coutinho