How does sunlight exposure improve our sleep quality?
What is the first thing we normally do when we wake up in the morning? Commonly, it’s checking our mobile phones or the clock on our bedside table. We rarely go out for a direct sunlight exposure, so how can sunlight improve our sleeping pattern?
A lot of people are dependant on sleeping pills and in America alone, 60 million prescriptions for sleeping pills was filed in 2012 with a 23% increase compared to the report in 2006 (Source: New York Times). Taking into consideration the potential dangers of taking sleeping pills, some natural alternatives are also worth bringing into the table.
One of the best natural alternatives and the best we can get for our day-to-day routine is just outside our window. Sunlight exposure could be the best solution for millions of insomniacs around the world.
People who get more sunlight exposure during the day tend to be more physically active at work and sleep an average of 46 minutes more at night (Source: Forbes). Take advantage of the sunlight while having your breakfast or while reading the newspaper in the morning when it’s less intense.
Even if the sky is overcast by clouds, the sunlight will continue to have its effect. In some cases, there are quite a number of offices without windows which means that employees are also without options. This results in a number of complaints regarding more physical ailments and lower vitality, along with lower sleep quality.
By regularly exposing ourselves to direct sunlight every morning for 30-45 minutes can significantly improve our sleep quality.