Bright Idea Stops Depression in Its Tracks
Mainstream’s solutions for depression are, well… depressing.
Antidepressant drugs work for less than HALF of those who take them. That means that most of these individuals are taking a drug that’s as RISKY as it is USELESS.
In the meantime, people struggling with depression continue to have sleep problems, which can then make your depression symptoms worse.
It’s a vicious cycle.
And it’s time to bring it to a stop…
Not with drugs—but with nature’s solution that can help with both depression AND sleep.
In this latest study, researchers analyzed data from about 7,000 people to see how exposure to one of my favorite things—sunlight—would impact both depression and sleep.
It turns out that people who spent more time in bright light had fewer depression symptoms and better sleep.
No surprise there!
One reason for this connection is that those exposed to more light had higher vitamin D levels.
Research consistently shows that low vitamin D levels are connected to depression. Even more significant, studies reveal that boosting vitamin D levels in depressed people who are deficient increases the effectiveness of antidepressant drugs.
We also know that exposure to sunlight improves sleep because it sets your circadian rhythm and boosts melatonin (the sleep hormone) production.
What this boils down to is that, like so many other conditions, depression can often be helped by improving your lifestyle.
If you’re struggling with depression, a few small lifestyle changes—like spending time in the sun, boosting your vitamin D, and having a consistent bedtime—could make a big difference.
In fact, lifestyle habits like these will help anyone feel better… whether you have depression or not.
P.S. Stop killer cancer with SUNSHINE!?
SOURCE:
Wallace DA, Redline S, Sofer T, Kossowsky J. Environmental Bright Light Exposure, Depression Symptoms, and Sleep Regularity. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(7):e2422810. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.22810
