By Marc Sorenson, EdD, Sunlight Institute

Recently I ran across two interesting scientific papers that related to each other in a way that was probably unknown to the investigators and authors of either paper. Both papers had to do with circadian rhythms, which are biological cycles that recur in approximately 24-hour intervals. On awakening to sunlight, the chemical serotonin—a natural mood enhancer—is increased in blood circulation, and at night, when the sun sets, melatonin—a natural relaxer—takes over and helps us to sleep soundly; at least that is the way it should work. There are many other circadian rhythms that operate throughout our daily life, and when they are operating properly, we feel better and function at a higher level of health and happiness.

By Marc Sorenson, EdD  Sunlight Institute

EXCITING RESEARCH from the British Journal of Psychiatry, December 2014, points out that “People with intellectual disabilities have a high risk of osteoporosis and fractures.”[i] The researchers theorized that vitamin D deficiency could have an influence on intellectual shortcomings, since it is well-known that vitamin D is absolutely essential to optimal bone health. To test their theory, they measured the vitamin D levels of 155 patients with intellectual disabilities and compared them to 192 controls who had no such disabilities.

By Marc Sorenson, EdD

In an article by Kranti Vibhule, writing for an Indian publication called DNA India, the argument is made that children’s health is suffering from the disappearance of playgrounds, the overprotectiveness of parents and the constant movement from one air-conditioned environment to another. In other words, their health is being compromised by lack of sunlight. The children consequently suffer from skin problems, breathing difficulties, hair loss and weak bones. These children receive only a modicum of sunlight.

By Marc Sorenson, EdD,  Sunlight Institute.

A news release from the Vitamin D Society has exposed an alarming downward trend in vitamin D levels, which were already quite low. The release noted that 35% of the Canadian population has average levels of vitamin D below 50 nmol/L, which in my opinion is not just low, but exceptionally low. Twelve million Canadians have vitamin D levels below that figure, which are 3% lower than the average levels last measured in 2009-2011.  Perry Holman, Executive Director of the Society, correctly points out that such low levels correlate to increased risk of many cancers as well as heart disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis and other serious diseases.

Sunlight has been known as a wonderful disinfectant for more than a century, although its use as such has diminished. As long ago as 1877, two scientists, Arthur Downes and Thomas Blunt, discovered that sunlight was bactericidal. And, in 1890, the German microbiologist Robert Koch (who had isolated and described the tuberculosis bacterium in 1882), showed that sunlight killed TB bacteria.[i] Even further back in history, the legendary humanitarian Florence Nightingale observed that sunlight helped heal wounded soldiers and insisted that hospitals be constructed to allow the free entry of sunlight.[ii] In the 1860s, she stated five essential points in securing health in houses: pure air; pure water; efficient drainage; cleanliness; and light—especially sunlight.[iii] One can only wish that her recommendations were followed today, as it would save innumerable lives.

Dr. Michael Holick is one of the great sunlight scientists and has been instrumental in establishing the necessity of sunlight exposure as the best way to receive adequate vitamin D. He is also one of the few proponents among dermatologists for tanning beds as health devices. In a recently published scientific paper, Dr. Holick states, “There needs to be a renewed appreciation of the beneficial effect of moderate sunlight for providing all humans with their vitamin D requirement for health.” Of course, vitamin D is not the only healthful photoproduct delivered by the skin after exposure to sunlight, but it is exceptionally important. The abstract below is a concise and accurate summary of the need for sunlight and vitamin D, as written by this enlightened scientist.