How does the sun help with depression?

The sun is a star located at the centre of the solar system. In practice, it is a giant spherical metal body that produces enormous amounts of energy and light by nuclear fusion of hydrogen into helium. The sun's characteristics include an average surface temperature of about 5,500 °C and an enormous mass that makes up more than 99% of the total mass of the solar system. The sun is the basis of life on Earth because it provides the heat and light that allow plants to grow and thus food for most living organisms.

The sun is important to humans for many reasons. And it is not only related to his mental or physical health.

• The first and most obvious reason is that the sun is a source of light and heat. Humans need sunlight to produce vitamin D, which is important for healthy bones, teeth and the immune system. In addition, sunlight can help improve mood and is therefore also used as a treatment for depression.
• The sun also affects our biorhythm. Its light helps set our internal biological clock system, which helps us adjust to the daily cycle. This affects our energy levels, sleep and many other physiological processes.
• In addition, the sun also affects nature, allowing us to grow crops and obtain food. The sun also plays a key role in the ecosystem and affects many different processes on Earth.
• Last but not least, the sun is a source of beautiful scenery and beautiful sunrises and sunsets that can help reduce stress and improve mood.
  

These and other factors make the sun a key element for humans that affects many aspects of their life and health.

And why does the sun actually help us in the treatment of depression?

In addition to the functions of the sun already mentioned above, we can observe a direct connection to its effect on the treatment of depression. The reasons are the following 3 key functions of our body:

1. Vitamin D production: The sun helps create vitamin D in the skin, which is important for brain and nervous system health. A low level of vitamin D in the body can be associated with the occurrence of depression.

2. Serotonin production: The sun promotes the brain's production of serotonin, a chemical messenger between nerve cells that plays an important role in mood regulation. Low serotonin levels are also associated with depression.

3. Circadian rhythm regulation: The sun helps regulate the circadian rhythm, which is the biological rhythm that controls many bodily functions, including sleep and mood. Sleep and mood disorders are often associated with depression.

In practice, this means that exposure to the sun can be beneficial for people suffering from depression, as it can increase vitamin D and serotonin levels and improve circadian rhythms, improving sleep and mood. However, it is important to remember that excessive sun exposure can be dangerous and can increase the risk of skin conditions such as skin cancer. Therefore, it is recommended to expose yourself to the sun in moderation and protect your skin from UV radiation with sunscreen and clothing.

PhDr. Ivana Čergeťová, PhD., LL.M., MBA, PCIC

I am a psychologist, NLP coach, attachment-based therapist, career counselor, and academic staff. I have been dedicated to the attachment theory in personal and work settings for over 20 years. I work on this topic not only as a counselor but also as a researcher. Meeting with me can help you if you are seeking an expert in mental health specializing in relationships, communication, and personal development. For more information, follow my social networks @radipsychologicka #attachment #relationships #love #attachment #JoinMeForAdvice #relationshiptherapist #development