Sunrise

Every day begins with an amazing sight. Though not as commonly admired as sunsets, due to the time of day, there is so much beauty, hope, and comfort in seeing the most powerful object in our solar system gently awaken our part of the world.

Too often, we think of the sun in relation to skin cancer, wrinkling skin, blistering temperatures, and harmful EMF radiation. While these effects are real, there is also a side to sunlight that is powerfully healing. The path of the sun in the sky throughout the day plays a very important role in how our body works. We are intimately connected with the hot mass of electrically charged gas 93 million miles away.

Morning sunlight sets our circadian rhythm. Specific cells placed strategically within our eyes are activated by particular wavelengths of light. These specialized cells in the eye have nothing to do with vision. Instead, they relay light information to a gland in the brain which houses our body’s master clock. This gland is in charge of circadian rhythm. These cells register low solar angles, as in when the sun is rising or setting, which informs the master clock what time it is. This may not seem all that important until we realize that all of our body functions operate in sync with body rhythm. Not only do we have a master clock, but every cell in our body has its own clock. Cells perform, function, and organize their cellular processes based on time.  For example, morning sunlight that gradually increases in brightness cues our body that it is time to perform certain active functions. Diminishing light lower in the horizon begins shifting the cellular work load to restorative processes, such as detoxification. Morning sunlight also sets a sort of biological timer that will go off in approximately 16 hours for melatonin to be released. Melatonin not only helps us wind down into sleep, but also is a powerful antioxidant that protects and revitalizes the brain, preventing neurological diseases.

We recognize the value of these clocks more when they stop or no longer keep accurate time. When they become desynchronized, diseases like type-2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease develop. We get suppression of very important hormones such as dopamine, which is considered our pleasure hormone. This reduction leads to depression, lower mood, and defects in learning and memory. A disrupted circadian clock causes disturbances in our physiology, mood, and behavior. Thankfully, our disrupted, out-of-sync rhythm can begin to be recalibrated the next morning.

We also need increasing bright light exposure early in the day to activate what is called the cortisol pulse. This is the secretion of an important hormone that helps us have focus, mental clarity, and improved learning and memory. Morning sunlight enhances the health and vitality of every cell in our bodies. It has also been observed to stimulate a healthy immune system. Every function of our body is controlled by light.

Without looking directly into the sun, expose yourself to gradually increasing bright light within an hour of waking up. Optimally, get outdoor light, but sunlight through a window will work. Avoid light from computer or phone screens first thing in the morning. It’s the photons from sunlight we want.

I find it fascinating how our body is wired with our environment, including the path of the sun. Intentionally getting morning sunlight is one of the most health-enhancing things we can do for ourselves. The Bible says, “Truly the light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to behold the sun” (Ecclesiastes 11:7).