10/05/2026
Lots of information about the effects of too much sun has been well circulated in the last several decades, but it resulted in burying a lot of information about how there is also such a thing as not enough sunlight. Many people go about their days living with too little sun in their lives without realizing at all; someone who wakes up before sunrise, drives to their job, works indoors until evening, and then drives home to stay inside for the rest of the day won't get much natural light at all!
Sunlight is important for people for several reasons. We've talked a lot about the benefits of vitamins; while you can get most of your necessary vitamins from foods, the sun is a wonderfully accessible way to naturally create your own vitamin D. Vitamin D is important for several things like brain function, immunity, muscle support, and bone strength. Without vitamin D, you could suffer from fatigue, forgetfulness, and higher risk of diseases in your heart or bones.
Studies conducted in several Scandinavian countries, where sun is often harder to come by, have also shown links between insufficient sunlight and higher risks of type 1 diabetes. Children involved in the study who received enough vitamin D through supplementation were observed to have an 80% reduced risk of developing type 1 diabetes, changing their high risk status.
This means that, if a person is unable to find a way to bring natural sunlight into their daily routines, vitamin D supplements can help compensate. Using indoor lights to compensate for a lack of natural bright sunlight can also help with maintaining your evening melatonin production and keeping a consistent circadian rhythm.
If you're unsure about how much is too little, especially when there is such a thing as too much, don't worry! All the average adult needs is 10–30 minutes a day. Make sure to stay hydrated and monitor how you're feeling if you decide to get your sunlight in the outdoors!
