How Much Sunlight Do You Need In A Day and What Time Is Better

When you think about the sun, your first thought might be about the damage it can do and too much can cause several kinds of serious health issues as we have heard many harmful effects of sun exposure for our skin and health. But for some minutes, especially early in the day before it’s at its brightest, can be good for you in so many ways.

We live in a modern world with publicized messages about how dangerous the sun is. We should always  remember that the ancient yogis knew how to use the sun to heal all kinds of illnesses and bring about radiant health. Even today's time yogi 'Baba Ramdev' cures many diseases from sun rays. We evolved as a human race for millions of years under the warmth and love of the sun. Sunlight in moderation does more good than harm. It has many benefits for good skin health also.”

Research proves that the sun is one of the best sources of vitamin D for the human body. If you have low vitamin D levels in the body, there is an increased risk of getting cancer which may also cause other forms of cancer and heart disease. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for the body. The body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium. Vitamin D also plays a vital role in bone growth, bone healing, keeping bone stronger and immune system function.

How Much Sunlight Do You Need In A Day

Coming to the question how much sunlight do we need in a day? So, there are best time to get vitamin-D from the Sun

• For many people, 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure per day is enough to ensure adequate vitamin D production. However, the length of time will vary widely due to factors like skin color, elevation and how you close to the equator.
• Those with fair/light skin require 20 minutes of sun exposure to direct sunlight, three to four times a week is enough in order to enable the skin to make adequate vitamin D.
• Those with darker skin  require 30 to 40 minute exposure, three to four times a week to ensure adequate vitamin D production.
• The best time to get vitamin D from the sun is early morning or you can do your daily exercise or yoga in front of sun rays till 8 am as Baba Ramdev does. It would be beneficial for your health.

The sun is very strong after 8 am, so make sure you keep moving. Staying in one place can cause sunburn. Additionally, avoid sunburn by building up your tolerance slowly. Post sun exposure, you can apply aloe vera gel to soothe and calm the skin.

Why do you need sunlight / Benefits of sunlight

Treating Skin Disorder

Sunlight is very vital in treating skin disorders, such as psoriasis, acne, eczema and fungal infections of the skin, treating leucoderma and stimulates repigmentation in the white patches. It helps restore the natural skin colour.

Good For mental health

Sunlight is very helpful to boost serotonin in our Brain which gives us more energy and positivity. Sun light is also effective for  seasonal affective disorder (SAD) patients.

Cleanses the blood

Sunlight penetrates deep into the skin to cleanse the blood and blood vessels. 

Increases oxygen in Blood

Sunlight also increases oxygen content in human blood. It also enhances the body's capacity to deliver oxygen to the tissues just like exercise. The sun has a great effect on stamina, fitness and muscular development.

Builds Immune system

It builds the immune system. The white blood cells, which increase with sun exposure, are called lymphocytes, and these play a crucial role in defending the body against infections.

Improves the growth of children

Regular sunlight exposure increases the growth and height of children, especially babies. 

Source of Vitamin D

Sunlight is a major source of Vitamin D3 production in the body. Vitamin D deficiency is a big health concern in India these days. Vitamin D deficiency results in weak bones, hair fall, lethargy, depression and cancer and heart diseases.

Good for Hair growth.

Sunlight which is a source of Vitamin D also helps create new hair follicles. Experts recommend 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure everyday.

The Bottom Line

Sunlight provides a wide range of health benefits. Even just 10 to 15 minutes of daily sun exposure is enough to get vitamin D and regulate your sleep schedule. But, spending too much sunlight can cause adverse health effects like skin cancer. Even the mildest sunburn is considered a skin injury.  Other skin conditions like hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and sun spots are also caused by too much UV radiation. That's why it's important to wear sunscreen daily.

So do exercise or yoga early in the morning in the sun. You step out of the house, wear sunscreen, wrap yourself in scalf to escape from harsh rays of the sun.