Your Body On Sunlight

Soak up the benefits of the sun without getting burned

Summer’s almost here, and you can’t wait for a day of fun in the sun with friends. Something about being outside in the sunshine just makes you feel good. In fact, there are a lot of mental and physical benefits to getting regular doses of ultraviolet light, which is the type of light produced by the sun. Studies show that exposure to sunlight can improve your mood, help you sleep at night, and give you strong bones and teeth. It is even good for your skin. But too much sun can be downright dangerous, so before you throw on shorts and a tank and go running out the door, make sure you have sun protection in the form of a hat, shades, and sunscreen. You also need a water bottle so you can stay hydrated. Read on to find out how sunlight affects your body, mind, and mood, and how to keep your relationship with UV rays sunny.

Brain

Spending too much time outdoors on hot days can cause heatstroke, which is when your internal body temp rises to dangerously high levels. Heatstroke can damage your vital organs, including your brain, and even lead to death. 

Skin

UV rays absorbed by your skin help create the vitamin D your body needs for healthy bones and teeth. But too much sun can damage your skin and put you at risk for skin cancer. Put on sunscreen 15 minutes before heading outdoors, and reapply hourly.

Kidneys

Spending a lot of time in the sun can lead to dehydration, which can damage the kidneys. To prevent dehydration, drink a lot of water and consider a sports drink with electrolytes to replace lost salt if you’re exercising or sweating a lot.

Mood

Sunlight promotes your body’s release of serotonin, a hormone that can improve your mood and make you feel calmer and more focused.

Eyes

Being in the sun without UV-blocking sunglasses for too long can irritate your eyes, making them sensitive and sore. Repeated excess exposure can cause cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s lens that can lead to blindness. 

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