The Science of Solar Power in Humans

Sunlight helps with way more than you think. Just like iguanas bask on warm rocks to soak up energy and regulate their bodies, we too are designed to thrive under the natural light of the sun. Morning rays sharpen focus, align our inner clock, and help the brain slip into a natural harmony of understanding [1][2]. Sunlight regulates the nervous system by balancing melatonin and cortisol so we wake refreshed, while also stimulating vitamin D essential for bone strength and immune balance [2][3]. Beyond that, daylight boosts “feel-good” brain chemicals like serotonin, giving us more energy, calm, and motivation [4]. It’s a natural tuning fork: when the rays hit your skin, they activate signaling pathways in your cells and even release nitric oxide, which relaxes your blood vessels and shifts circulation [5][6]. Contrast that with LED lights and screens, which keep us awake at odd hours but pull us out of sync with our evolutionary rhythm. Spiritually, the sun feels like a cosmic charger keeping me vibrant, awake, and tuned in to nature’s cycles. During COVID, I noticed how being outside in the sun lifted not just my mood but my sense of connection, while research pointed to vitamin D as one of many biological links between sunlight and resilience [3]. From iguanas to humans, the truth is simple: we’re all solar-powered beings, and when we align with the sun instead of just artificial light, our bodies, minds, and spirits stay naturally attuned.

[1] Kent ST, et al., Effect of sunlight exposure on cognitive function among depressed and non-depressed participants.
[2] Blume C., et al., Effects of light on human circadian rhythms, sleep and mood.
[3] Jordan T., et al., COVID-19 and Vitamin D — a Systematic Review.
[4] Lambert GW, et al., Benefits of Sunlight: A Bright Spot for Human Health / Harvard Health coverage of light, serotonin, and seasonal affective disorder.
[5] Weller RB., et al., Sunlight, nitric oxide and cardiovascular effects.
[6] Hernández-Bule ML., et al., Unlocking the Power of Light on the Skin (photobiomodulation research).