What is the impact of early sunlight on sleep and being awake?

Question

Can someone tell me the relation of basking in the morning sun and its possible impact on my alertness during the day and my sleep during night?

Answer 1

I have tried morning sunlight viewing for a month, and I would say that it positively impacted my general well-being. I noticed that I started to have a better sleep. It has become easier for me to sleep. Moreover, it feels like I have more energy throughout the day, which, I think, is essential for a student)). Even though those were winter months and the sunlight was not that much, I still think it was better than the artificial light of the phone I used to expose myself to every time I woke up. Thank you for telling about this helpful activity.

Answer 2

I've been sungazing for over 20 years, and it works great to give me a positive start to the day..I say a mantra and will stand barefoot on the ground as well.

Answer 3

I wake up before sun arises but once there is just enough light to see environment I go walking 4miles around beautiful neighborhood. I truly enjoy watching the sky change colors as it rises and the peacefulness of few people around but I am aware of safety nowadays so I'm very cautious of my surroundings.

Answer 4

As someone living in a northern country where the sun barely rises in the winter mornings, I found this video really interesting. It's always fascinating to learn more about how different places experience daylight and how it affects daily life. Thanks for sharing such insightful information—this is definitely something we don't get to hear about often!

Answer 5

HELP!! This makes so much sense and I have preached this to people for years. But now I work nights and need a good way to get the benefits and still be able to sleep good during the day.

Comments

There are some sunlight lamps which are initially used against winter depression. But don’t buy the cheapest model u see. Ofc it wouldn’t replace sun, it shines as bright as a 100th as bright(if i remember it right) but it helps by A LOT

Answer 6

Thanks Dr. Huberman.  I now do my early morning walk without wearing my glasses while the sun rises.  and wait 90 minutes after waking for coffee.  You are correct about less of a need for napping.  Not sure whether it’s the change in timing for coffee consumption or early a.m. photons., but I feel good. Thank you!

Comments

hello mr chuck rogers. i have been spending more time without my glasses as well. have you found any changes to your eyesight through your morning walks withour glasses?

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I am not sure, but I doubt it.

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I’m very light sensitive and find myself squinting without my sunglasses. I feel like I’m developing more wrinkles!

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Started today and hoping I have as good of results as you!

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So, what are your results now 11 months later?

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If I walk without my glasses I'm getting hit by cars.

Answer 7

All the stuff our grandparents told us to do was spot on

Answer 8

With my eyes closed I aim to look directly at the sun for a couple of minutes and  I feel the light through my eyelids and this has been really helpful.

Comments

Open your eyes for optimal benefit. His instructions show that.

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Absolute morons - never ever look at the sun directly - low in the sky or not - you will damage your sight. Fine if you want to burn a hole in your retina but hey? Basically he should have started his talk about the warning of looking directly into the sun at any part of the sky - ITS REALLY IMPORTANT YOU DON'T DO THAT. The way he explains this is ambiguous leading to comments (and advice) like the one above and that is downright irresponsible because of this. Look up the phrase 'Is sungazing dangerous?' on the internet and you'll see that NO ophthalmologist recommends this. My similar comment at the head of the comments section has now been removed. So I wonder why?

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He said to not look directly at the sun, look somewhere else with the sun at your sight. The comment is referring to that

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dude dont do this

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Yes look at the sun for a good 10 minutes then you should start to feel internal bleeding in the head. It’s quite the way to start your day

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​​​​@@naud8171 well not quite. He said something like 'don't look directly at the sun, but if it's very low in the sky I might do that as it won't be painful to my eyes'. Sounds like he's still advocating looking directly at the sun if it is low in the sky to me. About 56 secs in he says that. He also says 'look towards the sun, if it's too high and bright and painful to look at, then don't do that', which infers it's okay to look at other times! He should be categorically stating not to look directly at the sun under any circumstances unless you have specialist equipment.

Answer 9

Easy peasy, as my students often say! I live in Cyprus, which translates thus: I wake up, work, do my chores etc etc in full (often disturbing) sunlight. When we have dark or overcast days, I am filled with joy and enthusiasm!!!

Answer 10

For the past month I've been going on walks in the morning and evening somewhat irregularly, but for the last couple of weeks it became a habit and I noticed that I've been sleeping better but most importantly to me, waking better. I was wondering if the walks had something to do with it and this video somewhat confirmed it for me. Pretty cool that such a tiny habit makes such a huge difference!

Answer 11

Been staring at the sun for about 8 hours now, feeling so energized it's crazy

Comments

Hahaha

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Me too! It works so well.

Answer 12

Last year I added early morning fasted HIIT workouts 2-3 times a week along with 3-4 gym workouts and made a huge difference not just physically getting really lean but just as important mentally. Just started again over the past 3 weeks having had COVID which stripped my energy levels, finally they have returned if not better. Sets you up for the day so well and you feel energised similar to having a relaxing holiday.

Comments

You take the shot?

Answer 13

I would like to thank profusely for your work sir. Great insights . And the more i am watching your information filled videos , the more i am reminding myself that ancient sages from my country ( India) were damn right about so many things. Getting up in the morning, doing ice /cold water bath in river , performing surya namaskar etc were and still are part of our rich culture . Many friends of mine who are still living in villages are so accoustmed to these things that when i discussed huberman lab points, they said that they are doing them already. and belive me grand parents of some of my freinds are well into their 110 years and quite fit. remarkable.

Answer 14

Andrew is an awesome orator and speaker as well as an extremely informative human being. Stupendous and humble!!! Thank you

Answer 15

For ppl who meditate in the morning !! Do the meditation before you expose yourself to bright light. You need the melatonin in your head to reach deeper states in your meditation.

Comments

thanks for the advice

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I’ve been doing breath work into meditation first thing in the morning… any suggestion on order of those with light exposure?

Answer 16

My sleep is awful. Haven't used an alarm clock in ages. I haven't woken to light in over a decade. I wake at 2a.m. to 5 a.m. at the latest, regardless of time going to sleep. Hopefully Andrew's strategies will allow me to sleep more than 4 hours a night. I am the embodiment of quiet despair.

Comments

I hope things are working out for you.

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Have you talked to a sleep specialist about this?

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Check yourself for sleep apnea my friend

Answer 17

This makes sense. Ive always wondered why i felt so happy, have a better attitude towards the day, or even motivated early in the morning. And its bc of how much sunlight ive been exposed to that day.

Answer 18

I have horses so my alarm goes off at 5am every day and I go muck them out, feed them, and walk my dog. Even in the middle of winter when the weather is terrible and it’s pitch dark for months, the sun rises while I’m outside and it’s so lovely some days when the sky is clear. This does so much good for my mental health. I moved house recently and trialled doing all this in the afternoon after work instead of first thing in the morning and I noticed a clear drop in my mood. So I’m back to 5am starts and it’s honestly better. ❄️  ️

Answer 19

This man is changing me day by day... Thank you ❤️❤️

Answer 20

I woke up at 4AM in the morning for running atleast 5-6km everyday it makes my whole day energetic ❤