As the days get longer and the evenings brighter, there's more than just a change in the weather to look forward to. For many people dealing with chronic health issues or tiredness, these longer days could bring real benefits. The extra daylight isn’t just good for your mood – it could help with energy levels and even improve sleep.
What’s so special about more daylight?
The more natural light we get, the better it is for our bodies and minds. Here's how:
- Sleep and energy: More daylight can help reset your internal body clock, so you feel more awake during the day and can sleep better at night. This can be a huge boost if you struggle with energy or sleep problems.
- Feeling happier: Sunshine helps your body make serotonin, the “feel-good” hormone. More sunlight can help improve your mood and make you feel more positive.
- Health benefits: Spending time outside in the sun also helps your body make vitamin D, which is important for strong bones and a healthy immune system.
How it helps with chronic health conditions
If you have a long-term health issue, those lighter evenings could make a big difference:
- More energy: More daylight means more time for light exposure, which can help beat fatigue. Light therapy has been shown to help people feel less tired, especially if they have conditions like chronic fatigue.
- Better sleep: Getting enough natural light during the day can help you sleep better at night. This is really useful for people with conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome, which can make sleep difficult.
- More movement: Longer days also mean more time to get outside and be active. Gentle outdoor exercise, like walking or stretching, can help ease symptoms and improve overall health.
Making the most of the light
Even if the weather isn’t always perfect, there are ways to make the most of natural light:
- Light boxes: These devices can mimic sunlight and help if you don’t get enough daylight. They can be used any time of the year.
- Dawn simulators: These gradually brighten in the morning to wake you up gently, just like the sun would.
So, as the evenings get longer, take advantage of the extra light. It can help you feel better, sleep more soundly, and even give you the energy to enjoy the day. But remember, light is just one piece of the puzzle – it’s still important to follow your doctor’s advice for managing your health.
The brighter evenings are a sign of hope, showing that small changes in our natural environment can bring big improvements in our lives.
Further reading: Physiotherapy and exercise, psoriatic fatigue, and psoriasis and the sun.