The Positive Effects of Sunlight
The sun is the most important part of our solar system. You cannot spend too much time in its light, otherwise you will put yourself at risk for skin cancer. However, you do need to spend a minimum amount in it as well. Most people have heard of seasonal affective disorder, which is depression caused by too little exposure to sun, but few people understand just how severe it can be, and how it can still affect people during the summer.
Bright light has been shown to positively affect the mood of anyone who is suffering from depression or any other mood disorder. During the winter months, people often become irritable, depressive, put on weight, and avoid social scenes more often. This is caused by a reduction in UVB rays.
So as the summer months approach and the daylight get longer and longer, most people who are affected by seasonal affective disorder suffer much less, as well as people who are suffering from other mood disorders. In fact, there are many less reported cases of depression in the summer months than there are in the winter months.
In addition, people who have never experienced any sort of psychological problems or mood disorders on average report being happier during the summer months as well. People often report higher levels of motivation, happiness, and energy during the summer when they are being exposed to prolonged sunlight.
However, the exact reason why people are happier in the summer remains to be seen. Many studies point to the fact that a person’s sleep-wake cycle is thrown off during the winter months. People report a longer time lying in bed and being tired, but also report less time sleeping and having very poor quality sleep. During the summer, it is easier for many people to wake up in the morning because of the rising sun, whereas in the winter, it can remain dark for a few hours after you have been up.
Overall, the summer months seem to make people happier because of the extended time in the sunlight. As more research is done on this correlation, hopefully we will be able to use our knowledge to help those who suffer in the winter, and help those who wish to be equally happy in the summer and the winter.
