Overview

​

​

Exposure to natural light is a very simple and accessible way to improve the quality of our lives. Preferably, within the first hour of waking, you should expose yourself to sunlight for a period of 5 to 30 minutes, depending on how cloudy it is outside. If you cannot do this within an hour, you can still get most of the benefits by doing it later in the day. Getting sunlight behind a window will not give you anywhere near the same benefits and may take up to four times longer to get the desired benefits. Conversely, you should avoid bright light of any kind in the evening to ensure that you are providing the proper feedback to your biological clock. Exposure to natural light has a number of potential benefits for people with bipolar disorder, as well as for people in general.

Some of the potential benefits of exposure to natural light include

​

​

Improved mood

Exposure to natural light can help improve mood and reduce feelings of depression and anxiety. This is because natural light can stimulate the production of the hormone serotonin, which is associated with feelings of well-being and happiness.

​

Improved sleep

Exposure to natural light can also help regulate the body's circadian rhythm, the internal clock that controls our sleep-wake cycle. Regular exposure to natural light during the day can help people get a good night's sleep.

​

Improved cognitive function

Exposure to natural light can also improve cognitive function, possibly by increasing levels of the hormone norepinephrine, which is associated with alertness and focus.

​

​

​

Overall, natural light exposure can be a valuable tool in helping to improve mood, regulate sleep patterns, and enhance cognitive function. By getting regular exposure to natural light during the day, individuals can support their mental health and well-being. An alternative such as light therapy can provide many of these benefits at a low cost and can be a winter solution to the diminishing natural light hours and cold weather outside.