Positive Psychological Effects of Sunlight

People who live in extreme northern climates provide scientists with clear information on the psychological effects of lack of sunlight. In those climates, people sometimes only see sunlight for a few brief minutes a day in the winter. In more southern climates you are unlikely to suffer from such severe sun deprivation, but the data still provides scientists insight into the psychological effects of sunlight on people in the rest of the world.

Vitamin D

• The chief reason that sunlight plays such a large role in mental health is that it is one of a person's primary sources of vitamin D. Studies still question whether or not Vitamin D is a viable means of treating depression, according to the vitamindcouncil.org. However, vitamin D is very important in the operation of a healthy brain, and helps treat seasonal affective disorder. Adequate amounts of sunlight ensure normal vitamin D levels in an otherwise healthy person.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

• Seasonal affective disorder causes people to feel depressed, tired or weak, and is caused by not getting enough sun. The reduced hours of sunlight in a day contribute to this, and the problem will be more pronounced the further away from the equator you live, notes The Environmental Illness Resource. On the other hand, adequate levels of sun can help you feel energetic, motivated and help alleviate wintertime blues. Light therapy from a sun-replicating lamp is the normally indicated treatment for SAD. Sometimes vitamin D supplements are also recommended.

Brain Chemistry

• The reason that people sometimes "feel good" as opposed to feeling bad has a great deal to do with brain chemistry. Specifically, certain chemicals in the brain cause you to feel good when triggered. Serotonin and endorphins have this effect. When you get sun exposure, your brain reacts by releasing serotonin and endorphins into your body, the same way that it does when you laugh or exercise. This causes you to feel happier, and increases overall feelings of well-being.

Confidence

• A very careful balance is required when getting sun, but most people feel more confident and attractive when they've received a little sunshine. Society finds a healthy tan attractive. In addition, small amounts of sunshine help treat conditions like acne to smooth out the appearance of problem skin, something that most people with skin problems desire. The confidence and self-esteem that comes from better looking skin is closely tied to better mental health.