Sleep Early, Wake Up Early, And Go Outdoors

Not everyone can sleep early and enjoy the morning sun, as health experts would suggest. Most of us grab a cup of coffee, get into our cars and stay in the office till sunset. Others stay in bed with their curtains drawn, until it is time for their shift at work. Very few are able to get natural morning light exposure between 8-12 am, when the light is more intense.

For the study, which was published recently in the journal PLOS ONE, 54 adult participants were asked to wear wrist actigraphy monitors that measured the amount of light exposure and sleep they got for seven days under normal living conditions. Their estimated calorie intake was measured from a food log each of them made for the duration of the study.

Most people are usually exposed to only 100 to 200 lux, which is equivalent to light intensity indoors. They found that those who had greater exposure to morning light were more likely to have lower BMIs, regardless of their calorie intake or amount of physical activity.

The authors believe that appropriate exposure to daylight, with regards to timing, duration, and intensity must be encouraged as part of a healthy lifestyle. This can be done by having more windows that allow natural light into schools and workplaces. Indoor lighting could be improved to increase brightness. Children and employees must be able to go outdoors on breaks. This type of intervention is a simple solution to obesity, which is easy to follow, since light is a factor that could be modified.

Lose Weight Naturally

Obesity is not just a weight problem; it is now considered a chronic disease, since it affects the overall health of the individual. It is linked to other chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, arthritis and more. It affects even our children and can become a life-long problem. While many people are lured to use various products that promise rapid weight loss, more studies are finding evidence that there are many ways one can regulate weight naturally. Doctors and other health experts always advise people to eat a healthy, balanced diet that includes a variety of foods, and to exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight.

But we must also consider other modifiable lifestyle factors that may affect weight, including getting enough sleep, reducing stress, and avoiding unhealthy practices such as smoking and excessive alcohol intake. Although many people try to hit the gym after a day's work, this new study suggests that it is not enough to exercise, but it may be better to get some morning sunlight while walking to work or playing with your kids. Even on a cloudy day, natural outdoor light provides more light intensity than normal indoor lighting.

Morning sunlight can help improve mood and reduce stress. When you're in a better mental state, you're more likely to make healthy food choices and engage in physical activities, both of which contribute to weight management. Being exposed to natural light in the morning can encourage outdoor physical activity, such as walking or jogging. Regular exercise is crucial for weight management and overall health.

See Also: Walking Preserves Much More Than Just Your Waistline

The new study also supports previous findings that treatment with morning bright light reduces appetite and body fat, as seen in overweight and obese women.