Signs That You’re Not Getting Enough Sunlight

1. You're Gaining Weight

Image source / RedditSunshine supplies the nutrient nitric oxide, important in keeping your metabolism running smoothly and more importantly, discouraging binge eating.  A study found that exposure to UV rays could slow weight gain.  This being so, lack of sunshine could result in you overeating and with the sluggish metabolic rate, weight gain could easily occur.

2. You're Feeling Moody Or Depressed

Image source / The DodoInsufficient natural light can easily bring on gloomy moods.  It comes down to levels of the hormone serotonin in your brain and when this is low, you may start to feel depressed.  This may make you want to stay inside and be by yourself but the opposite could help, getting outside into natural light.

3. You're Not Sleeping Well

Image source / RedditA lack of sunlight could cause havoc on your body.  Spending an extended amount of time in artificial lighting or staring at our screens could cause serious sleep problems.  If you skimp on the sun’s rays by staying indoors, you can throw off your body’s internal clock which could mean you’re not sleeping deeply enough, maybe leading to insomnia.

4. Your Bones Ache

Image source / RedditWhat might be mistaken for arthritis in adults could actually be a deficiency in vitamin D, due to a lack of sunlight.  Adults who don’t get enough sunshine in autumn and winter when it’s less inviting to go outside, often feel aches and pains in their bones or muscles.  Nutrients like calcium and collagen cannot do their job properly without the assistance of vitamin D.

5. You're Sweating Excessively

Image source / RedditExcessive sweating on your forehead, when not exercising or overheating, is one of the classic signs that you’re probably not getting enough vitamin D.  If your forehead has a little extra shine, it might be time to ask your doctor to get your blood checked for a vitamin D deficiency.

6. You Always Use Sunscreen

Image source / RedditThe sun’s rays have many benefits, as long as you get exposure in moderation, around 10-15 minus a day, according to the Cancer Council.  Sunscreen may not be necessary for this practice but any longer in the sun and you should slap on the SPF and protect yourself from harmful rays.

7. Weak Immunity

Image source / RedditIf you are suffering with a vitamin D deficiency (a simple blood test can reveal this), then you may be prone to recurrent or frequent infections.  Vitamin D is vital in helping our immune system and in the winter, especially, try and get outside as much as you can, for natural light.  You'll feel good afterwards!

8. Slow Healing

Image Source / RedditReduced calcium absorption and muscle fibre formation can lead to slow wound or injury healing.  You may notice this more if you are someone who doesn't get enough sunlight or natural light from outdoors.  A good supply of calcium in the body could really make a difference.

9. You Could Develop Heart Problems

Image source/ RedditAccording to a study by the American College of Cardiology, adults with lower levels of vitamin D are more likely to have coronary artery disease and have it more severely than those who receive regular sunlight and possess higher levels of the vitamin.  High blood pressure may also become an issue.

10. You May Be At A Higher Risk Of Developing M.S.

Image source / RedditSome research has shown that vitamin D can lower the risk of developing multiple sclerosis.  For people who already have MS, vitamin D could lower the severity of their symptoms.  This is according to the Mayo Clinic.  There may also be an association between lack of sunlight exposure and developing Multiple Sclerosis.

11. The Risk Of Schizophrenia Could Be Higher

Image source / News MedicalA 2014 review of over a dozen observational studies concluded that people with vitamin D deficiency could be twice as likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia.  More clinical trials are in operation to confirm the review but it has started to cause ripples within this field of medicine.

12. Higher Possibility Of Developing Dementia

Image source / UnsplashOlder adults who have moderate to severe vitamin D deficiencies, due to lack of sunlight, may be at a greater risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer's disease, according to an American study in 2014.  It found that vitamin D is implicated in pro-cognitive and neuroprotective functions, including the reduction of Alzheimer's disease.

13. You Could Have A Harder Time Surviving Cancer

Image source / RedditResearch has identified that people who have cancer and have higher levels of vitamin D in their bodies, have a higher survival rate than people who have cancer and are vitamin D deficient. Dr Hui Wang reported, "The results suggest vitamin D may influence the prognosis for people with breast cancer, colorectal cancer and lymphoma, in particular,'

14. You Could Die Prematurely

Image source / Planet Radio'People with low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, the main circulating form of vitamin D, could be more likely to die earlier than people with healthy levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D', according to research published in The American Journal Of Public Health.  They analysed 32 studies concerning the connection between all-cause mortality and vitamin D.

15. It Could Affect Bipolar Disorder

Image source / University Of MichiganPeople who have bipolar disorder may be at increased risk of seasonal affective disorder. In some people with bipolar disorder, episodes of mania could be linked to a specific season.  As an example, spring and summer could bring on symptoms of mania or a less intense form of mania (hypomania), anxiety and agitation. They may also experience depression during the fall and winter.

16. SUNLIGHT IS GOOD FOR YOU BECAUSE .... It May Protect You From Prostate Cancer

Image source / In The Public Interest 

The lesser sunlight you get, it is thought the higher your chances of being diagnosed with prostate cancer.  Yes! You DID read that right.  It is a well known fact among scientists that specialise in this field and from preliminary studies, that lack of sunlight may increase the risk of prostate cancer.

17. It May Lower Cortisol Levels

Image source / Medical News TodayThe stress hormone is known as cortisol.  Cortisol may increase your appetite and experts suggest that high cortisol levels are one reason for weight gain.  In a study conducted by the Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado, they found that through exposure to bright light, cortisol levels can be decreased.

18. It Could Lowers Risk Of Diabetes

Image source / RedditAccording to experts, Vitamin D could have a preventative effect on diabetes.  A study in the year 2006, led by the University of Lund and Malmö University Hospital, Sweden, found that a high intake of Vitamin D in early life was strongly associated with a lower risk of type 1 diabetes.

19. It Might Help Treat Psoriasis

Image source / RedditPsoriasis is condition of the skin where red plaques are produced and the skin is thickened.  It is said to be non-curable but light therapy is often used for psoriasis, known as phototherapy.  As the sun is the source of light, it is thought that sunlight could help reduce the condition.

20. It Could Help Treat Vitiligo

Image source / WikipediaVitiligo may be caused by an auto-immune process.  It is treated with ultraviolet light (UVA) exposure, together with a drug or a natural remedy.  It is a disease in which white patches occur on the skin where some areas of the pigment-making cells are destroyed in this disease.

21. It May Protect Against Asthma

Image source / RedditAdults and children with quite severe asthma have significantly lower levels of Vitamin D in their blood system compared to those found in healthy people. This was claimed from a study by Dr Stephanie Korn in Germany.  Those who use corticosteroids  or sputum eosinophilia are likely to have a higher risk of being vitamin D deficient.

22. It Could Help You Lose Weight 

Image source / Reddit An amazing benefit of sunlight is that it could help you lose weight and sunbathing might help the process!  Research showed that mice who were fed a high fat diet showed reduced weight levels when exposed to low doses of UV radiation.  However, further trials need conducting with humans.

23. It May Treat Acne And Other Skin Disorders

Image source /RedditSkin disorders  such as acne and eczema could be controlled with the power of sunlight!  A study indicated that heliotherapy (bright light therapy)  did wonders in relieving the symptoms.  It's also thought that fungal infections could also benefit from heliotherapy as could psoriasis.

24. It Could Be A Remedy For Hair Loss

Image source / HealthlineWhile this may be great news for those who are dealing with hair loss, it's important to also remember that over-exposure to sunlight can do more damage than good..  Go easy on giving your hair a dose of those rays. The epithelial cells that help your hair grow are known to be highly sensitive to UV light.  Too much exposure can deplete the levels of vitamin E and C, required for hair growth.

25. It May Help Hair Growth

Image source / RedditSunlight allows your body to produce Vitamin D.  This stimulates the growth of your hair and prevents hair loss, as explained above. Hair follicles appear to love this vitamin as it stimulates them.  This is why you sometimes experience quicker hair growth in the summer months.

26. Sunlight Therapy

Image source / RedditSunlight therapy works so very well for many, many individuals. The trick is to make sure that your skin reaps the benefits and doesn't get damaged in the process by over exposure, especially on the hot day of the season.  It's that old saying - everything in moderation!

27. May Boost Fertility

Image source / RedditAccording to research studies, spending more time in the sun or getting lots of sunlight, could improve fertility in both women and men.  In some cases, it may increase a female's fertility by up to a third and women may be 35% more likely to have successful IVF treatment.

28. May Improve Human Eye Efficiency

Image source / RedditAccording to R. S. Agarwal, author of 'Yoga Of Perfect Sight', 'The human eye needs light in order to maintain its efficiency. Sunlight is as necessary to the normal eye as are rest and relaxation.'  Agarwal’s suggestion is to 'start the day by exposing the eyes to the sun for just a few minutes with this treatment: sit comfortably facing the sun (morning or evening when the sun isn’t as strong) with closed eyes, and sway the body from side to side gently. Continue for five to ten minutes.'

29. Sunlight Can Turn A Dark Day Round

Image source / ScrollerIf you are feeling down in the dumps and don't feel like getting showered, dressed and opening the door, even to sit in your back yard, take the bill by the horns and DO IT.  You have nothing to lose and once you have accomplished these tasks, your whole mood may change to being that bit more positive.  It's honestly worth it.

30. Sunlight Stimulates Production Of Vitamin D

Image source / CarosellWe know that you know, but just to put it simply - When the skin is exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, a compound in the skin is transformed into vitamin D.  This fat-soluble vitamin is required for the absorption of calcium by the body and is necessary for growth and protects against muscle weakness.