It’s safe to say that most of us feel happier when the sun shines. But the extent to which sunshine can have an effect on our mental health and wellbeing has always been somewhat gut feel. Until now that is.
Scientists specialising in Psychology and Physics at Brigham Young University, a non-profit research university in the US, studied the trends in data between sunshine and mental health.
They found that “mental health distress” improved during the lightest seasons. This finding applied to the population as a whole, not just those diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
They didn’t, however, analyse the reasons behind the link.
Previous studies have suggested our vitamin D levels may influence our mental health.
The Isfahan University of Medical Science in Iran, for example, carried out research that found those who had vitamin D deficiencies were likely to suffer more from mental health conditions than those with good levels.
To read the full article that appears in the Huffington Post, go to https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/how-sun-light-affects-mental-health_uk_581c4f1ce4b09d57a9a8377f?guccounter=2