Natural Light and Sleep: A Simple Strategy for Less Anxiety
- Janna Ross
- Jun 29
- 2 min read
Since I am a big advocate for spending time outside, I feel it is essential for me to give you as many reasons as possible to do it. So, if I haven't convinced you already here is another reason to get your booty outside!
Nature time can do a lot to improve your sleep.
And what does better sleep mean? Being able to deal with that pesky anxiety a hell of a lot better!
Here's why nature time makes a difference: Light exposure is a big part of keeping our circadian rhythms well...in rhythm.
Our circadian rhythm lasts for about 24 hours, but it can go all wackadoodle if we don't have cues to help nudge it back into place. There are several things that do this such as temperature changes, physical activity, eating, and of course exposure to dark and light. When you don't have these things to nudge your body clock then you'll find that you'll shift to a shorter or longer cycle.
Of these things light and dark exposure are going to have the most effect on your sleep. It's important get light in the mornings (or whenever you first wake up) and then as evening comes on start lowering the lights as this will help produce melatonin which is needed for you to be able to go to sleep. For example, wackadoodle can happen if you're exposed to bright lighting late into the evening which effects the ability of melatonin to be able to do its job since it depends on darkness to work at its best.
And we know what happens if the shut eye gets elusive. The anxiety gets bigger- or seems to anyway.
Here are some simple ways to promote being awake and alert:
Take a walk in the mornings
Sit out on your porch with your cup of coffee for a few minutes
Sit by a window while you eat breakfast
At the very least have bright overhead lighting and/or lighter, blue/green spectrum lights in your environment
Here are some simple ways to promote relaxation and winding down:
Spend some time outside around sunset to help your body wind down for the evening.
Avoid using overhead lighting if possible and focus on using warmer, red/orange spectrum lights.
Sleep in total darkness or very dim lighting (have the amount of lighting you need to feel comfortable and safe to sleep!)
Be intentional about this and notice how it affects your sleep. If sleeping is a real struggle for you try to get out in the sun as early as possible because this can actually help shift your circadian rhythm a little earlier- meaning you go to sleep earlier!
Natural light and sleep- a simple strategy for less anxiety- who knew? Want to know more about how anxiety and sleep tie together? Check out this blog post:
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