So Let the Sun Shine In

Diagnosed with an unusual lung infection that was resistant to even the “big gun” antibiotics, a young man laid on his hospital bed “hooked up” to many lifesaving machines. But it was to no avail. He was told he only had a couple days to live, and they asked him what he would like. His answer was simple, “I just want to go outside.” Well, that was no small feat with all the apparatuses he was connected to. But if that is what the young man wants that is what he will have.

How Important is Sunlight?

Without light and warmth there is no life. But when the Light of Life, that is our Creator Jesus, shines with healing, warm rays, His creation springs forth with new life (see John 1:1-12). So likewise with our physical sun. We need sunlight to be healthy.

What does the Sun do for us?

Sunlight is one of God’s most powerful health boosters. Direct sunlight throughout the day can profoundly influence our mood, mental health, energy levels, sleep quality, and immune system and overall health. Let’s explore why stepping outside to soak in the sun’s rays is essential for our well-being and how to make the most of it throughout the day.

1. Morning Sunlight: The early rays of sunlight are vital. The early morning sunlight helps regulate our body’s internal master clock, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), which sets all our other bodily clocks or circadian rhythms. Circadian rhythms govern our sleep-wake cycles, hormone regulation, metabolism and much more. Exposure to morning sunlight suppresses melatonin—the hormone that induces sleep—and signals your brain to produce cortisol, a hormone that boosts alertness and energy levels.

Morning sunlight also promotes the production of serotonin, often called the “happy hormone,” which plays a key role in stabilizing mood and supporting mental health. Lack of morning light exposure has been linked to seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and other forms of depression.

Step outside for 10-15 minutes shortly after sunrise or as soon as possible after you wake up in the morning.

2. Midday Sunlight: Midday sunlight is the most efficient source of vitamin D, a nutrient critical for bone health, immune function, and inflammation reduction. Vitamin D deficiency is common due to reduced sunlight exposure. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to increased susceptibility to infections and chronic illnesses including osteoporosis and even diabetes.

Get outside midday, between 12 noon and 2 pm, to absorb some sun rays for just 20-30 minutes every day to improve your vitamin D level and also improve bone health, immune system and sleep, and decrease inflammation.

Schedule a short walk or outdoor activity during lunch and other breaks. Wear natural clothing (i.e. cotton – the sun’s rays can go through natural fibers. It does not go through plastic, i.e. polyester).

3. Evening Sunlight: As the day winds down, the warm hues of evening sunlight, close to sunset, offer a calming effect on the body and mind for relaxation and reflection, helping you transition from the high-energy demands of the day to a more relaxed state. Evening light signals the body to activate the melatonin you absorbed during the midday sun exposure to now prepare you for sleep. Spending time outdoors around sundown enhances relaxation, reduces stress, and promotes better sleep quality.

Try taking an evening walk during the golden hour as you reflect with an attitude of gratitude over the day’s accomplishments. Use this time to disconnect from screens and to enter into the rest of God.

Benefits of Sunlight Exposure:

• Mood and Mental Health Stabilization: Regular sunlight exposure reduces the risk of depression and anxiety by supporting serotonin production (our happy hormone).

• Energy and Productivity: Sunlight boosts energy levels and helps combat fatigue, especially during the darker months.

• Improved Sleep: Aligning with natural light patterns improves circadian rhythms, resulting in deeper, more restorative sleep.

• Strengthened Immune System: Direct sunlight enhances the body’s immune health, helping the body fight off illnesses, colds and flu.

• Relaxation and Stress Reduction: Spending time in the sunlight reduces stress hormones, promoting relaxation and overall mental clarity.

• Family Bonding Time: Getting outside together can be wonderful family time.

The Rest of the Story…

The young man was taken outside each day and the time he was allowed spend outside increased each day. He passed day two…He passed day seven… He passed day 30… and with each passing day, his lab results began to improve, until he eventually was able to go home. 

So Let the SUN SHINE IN!

All nature testifies to the love and power of God. How is this true regarding the sun? Just as there is no life without the sun, there is no life without Christ. Jesus says He is the Light of the World (John 8:12). John further expounds upon the reality of Jesus, the Son of God, being the source of life in 1 John 5:11-12, “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.”

Jesus is called the Sun of Righteousness (Malachi 4:2). He can shine His Light upon us and remove the darkness of unrighteousness and sin even from the dark recesses of our hearts and minds. In Job 33:26 it is written, “He [Christ] will render unto man His [Christ’s] Righteousness,” (see also Isaiah 54:17). In 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 we are told how this is made possible, “We pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For He hath made Him to be sin for us, Who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” Jesus will cover or render unto us His Righteousness morning by morning just as the sun dispels the darkness of night morning by morning, and as winter turns to spring. 

As we consider the power God has placed in the sun for our healing, let us always remember our true healing come from the Sun of Righteousness Who uses sunlight as an illustration of how He will accomplish our redemption.

Blue Skies,

Dana

Dana West, RDN, LD, ACLMDIP thrives on helping her amazing clients get a new lease on life by embracing health and conquering disease, through learning to cooperate with God, Our Chief Physician and His saving health plan (Psalm 67:1-2 KJV), one step at a time, so they can live with renewed energy and enthusiasm doing all the things they love to do again, just as God intended for them.

You can get a new lease on life too, in her Start a New YOU!® Online Program. Details Here

References:

1. National Institutes of Health (NIH). Vitamin D and Health. https://www.nih.gov.

2. Harvard Health Publishing. (2021). The Impact of Sunlight on Mental Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu.

3. Sleep Foundation. Circadian Rhythms and Sunlight Exposure. Retrieved from https://www.sleepfoundation.org.