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No sun makes you feel bad: Psychologist's insights
03.12.2023 08:50
Updated: 13.05.2024 21:22
You might love winter for its beautiful snowy sceneries and Xmas decorations, but lack of sun can actually affect your mood a lot.
Not everyone experiences this effect, but lots of people do - they become moody, sleepy, and almost depressed.
Let's find out more about how it works.
Vitamin D Deficiency
Sunlight is a primary source of vitamin D production in the body.
Insufficient sunlight exposure can lead to a deficiency in vitamin D, which has been linked to mood disorders, including depression and seasonal affective disorder.
Disruption of Circadian Rhythms
Sunlight plays a crucial role in regulating circadian rhythms, the internal body clock that governs the sleep-wake cycle.
Lack of exposure to natural light can disrupt these rhythms, leading to irregular sleep patterns and contributing to sleep disorders, insomnia, or feelings of lethargy.
Melatonin Production and Sleep Quality
Sunlight exposure helps regulate melatonin production, a hormone responsible for sleep-wake cycles.
Insufficient exposure, especially in the morning, can lead to melatonin imbalance, affecting sleep quality and contributing to feelings of fatigue and irritability.
Impact on Serotonin Levels
Sunlight stimulates the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation and well-being.
Reduced exposure may result in lower serotonin levels, potentially contributing to symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Reduced Physical Activity
A lack of sunlight may lead to decreased motivation for physical activity, which is closely linked to mental well-being.
Regular exercise has proven benefits for mood and overall mental health.
Increased Stress Hormones
Sunlight exposure has been associated with lower levels of stress hormones such as cortisol.
In the absence of adequate sunlight, cortisol levels may rise, contributing to heightened stress, anxiety, and an overall sense of tension.
