The Power of the Morning Sun and how it will make you sleep better.

We tend to focus a lot out attention on making sure that we are relaxed, comfortable and ready for a good nights sleep in the evening. But what if the answer to a good night sleep came from the early moments after we awake each morning?

I’ve started to focus a lot on creating a morning ritual and as part of this, I get myself out of the house early and go for a walk and do some exercise.

I have read a growing number of studies undertaken that have gathered data that outlines the possibility of sunlight in the morning helping us sleep better at night. And it has certainly helped me in my quest to get a better nights rest.

Why should I get sunlight in the morning?

Sunlight tells the body it is time to wake up. The process of receiving sunlight in the morning allows signals to travel to your organs that in turn trigger our bodies to produce optimal levels of daytime hormones, including cortisol, which helps with our body’s ability to deal with stress and regulates blood pressure.

Morning sunlight helps regulate our circadian rhythm. It boosts the development of serotonin, that keeps us awake and regulates appetite and mood., whilst restricts the development of melatonin, the hormone that ‘sends us to sleep’. Having more serotonin in our system allows for a better development of melatonin at night, when it is time for us to sleep.

Ways to get more sunlight

Try and get exposure to sunlight for up to 30minutes, between 6–8:30 am every day. You can do this through a variety of ways.

The best way is to go for a walk. To a park, café, around your neighbourhood. It doesn’t matter where, as long as you feel the sun shining on you.

Also consider having your breakfast outside, with a nice cup of tea, coffee or juice.

You can also go outside and read a newspaper or a good book.

All of these activities are relaxing so not only will it help you sleep better later, but it will set you in a great mood to start the day!

What if I can’t get access to sunlight between 6–8:30am?

The first thing to do is try not to worry. Whilst it is not as effective as early morning, getting exposure to sunlight in the afternoon is beneficial in a number of areas including better moods, less depression and other improvements in hormonal function. Even if it is overcast, you should still receive enough sun rays to reap the benefits.

To achieve this, consider going for a walk at lunchtime or making it a habit to eat your lunch outside everyday.

What if I have no or limited access to sunlight where I live?

If you currently living in an environment where there is little natural sunlight available to you, consider obtaining a light box. I haven’t used these light boxes. I am fortunate to live in Australia!

How has this worked for you? How do you get your morning off to a good start and has it helped you sleep better?

I would love to hear from you!