Can Wearing Sunglasses Lower Your Immune System?

Our moods, immune system, day and night cycle and sleep are directly affected by sunlight exposure

Here’s the simple explanation: sunlight enters our body through our eyes, travels to our brain, specifically hypothalamus through electrical impulses. These impulses trigger the hypothalamus to release certain hormones that regulate certain metabolic processes of the body.

For centuries, sunlight has been used for healing. Many ancient civilizations worshiped the sun for its legacy of healing. Hippocrates believed greatly in the healing properties of sunlight as referenced in his writings.

Hypothalamus regulates our nervous system, moods, how our body responses to stress, our immune function.

Sunlight also influences our internal clock that controls our circadian rhythms. Circadian rhythms work in 24-hour cycles to keep us in tune with Mother Nature and release the sleep hormone, melatonin.

Without proper exposure to sunlight, circadian rhythms become disrupted and many bodily processes, such as sleep, metabolism, hunger signals, energy levels and hormone production begin to suffer as a result.

Exposure to sunlight is also the quickest way to recover from jet lag. This is why we ask our clients to not only walk on dirt or grass barefoot when they arrive in a new time zone but to expose themselves to sunlight.

Fluorescent lighting, lack of windows and most surprisingly, sunglasses, can block important sunlight from reaching the body. Studies have proven that lack of sunlight in classrooms affects the performance and behavior of children as well.

Natural light has so many benefits!

 Improved concentration, awareness and productivity

 Immune system stimulation

 Synthesizing of Vitamin D

 Better Sleep

 Better Mood

 More Energy

So with all the media coverage on the damaging effects of the sun on your skin & your eyes, don’t forget that sunlight also plays an important role in healing your body and mind. Cover in moderation & let some light in.