The sun can sometimes get a bad rap for only having negative effects on our health when, in fact, it has several positive effects for our overall health. Carey Bligard, MD, UnityPoint Health, says like many other things, sunshine should be enjoyed in moderation to avoid painful sunburn, heat rash, wrinkles and skin cancer.
Positive Effects of the Sun
Enhances Your Mood
Dr. Bligard says there are many benefits from sunlight, including that it is a free mood enhancer. Days full of sunlight make people feel better and have more energy, but it also increases the levels of serotonin in the brain, which is associated with improved mood.
Relieves Stress
Everyone experiences stress for various factors, such as family, work and health issues. Dr. Bligard says stress can be relieved in a variety of ways, including exercise, having relaxing hobbies, walking the dog or by getting out in the fresh air for a little sun exposure.
Improves Sleep
Sunlight exposure impacts how much melatonin your brain produces and melatonin is what tells your brain when it is time to sleep. When it gets dark, you start producing melatonin so you are ready to sleep in about two hours. With more sunlight in the summer, you are likely to feel more awake.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a vitamin involved in maintaining healthy bone strength. One way you can get this sun vitamin is exposure to the ultraviolet light in sunlight. However, Dr. Bligard recommends only 15 minutes of sun exposure to provide all the Vitamin D you need.
The Harmful Effects of the Sun
Sun Damage to the Eyes
Long-term, unprotected exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun can damage the retina, which is the back of the eye where the rods and cones make visual images. Damage from exposure to sunlight can also cause the development of cloudy bumps along the edge of the cornea, which can then grow over the cornea and prevent clear vision. UV light is also a factor in the development of cataracts.
Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke
According to the CDC, heat exhaustion is the body’s response to excessive loss of water and salt, usually through excessive sweating. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include headache, nausea, elevated body temperature and decreased urine output. If heat exhaustion is left untreated, it can lead to heat stroke. Heat stroke requires immediate medical attention because if it is left untreated, it can cause death or permanent disability. If you notice heat stroke, call 911 immediately.
Heat Rash
A heat rash is a skin rash that occurs when sweat ducts trap perspiration under the skin. Heat rash often takes place during hot, humid weather and, according to the CDC, often looks like red clusters of pimples or small blisters. Heat rash develops in skin folds, elbow creases, the groin or on the neck and upper chest.
Skin Cancer
Dr. Bligard says the worst consequence of long-term exposure to the sun is the development of skin cancer. Because the sun damage to the skin develops over years, the older you are, the greater the risk of developing skin cancer. After years of exposure to the sunlight, providers look for three common types of skin cancer (in order of how often they occur): basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma.