How to Feel Energized & Sleep Better With One Morning Activity | Dr. Andrew Huberman

Huberman Lab Clips2 minutes read

Exposing yourself to morning sunlight without sunglasses in the first hour of waking can improve alertness and sleep quality, avoiding direct sun exposure. Artificial light is not a sufficient substitute for natural sunlight, with recommendations ranging from 5 to 30 minutes of exposure depending on weather conditions.

Insights

  • Viewing sunlight early in the day, particularly within the first hour of waking up, can optimize alertness and improve sleep quality by stimulating the neural retina.
  • Artificial lights are not a sufficient replacement for morning sunlight, and overexposure to artificial light at night can negatively impact sleep patterns, emphasizing the importance of natural light exposure for overall well-being.

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Recent questions

  • How can I optimize alertness and sleep?

    By viewing sunlight early in the day, within the first hour of waking up, you can enhance wakefulness throughout the day and improve sleep quality at night.

  • Is it safe to look directly at the sun?

    Directly looking at the sun is discouraged, especially if it is too bright. However, looking towards it without sunglasses can be beneficial for neural retina stimulation.

  • Can artificial lights replace morning sunlight?

    Artificial lights are not a substitute for sunlight early in the day. Morning sunlight viewing is a scientifically supported practice that cannot be replaced by artificial lights.

  • How does excessive artificial light affect sleep?

    Excessive exposure to artificial light at night can disrupt sleep patterns. It is important to limit artificial light exposure in the evening to ensure better sleep quality.

  • How long should I expose myself to sunlight?

    The duration of sunlight exposure varies based on weather conditions. Recommendations range from 5 minutes on clear days to up to 30 minutes on densely overcast or rainy days to optimize alertness and sleep.

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Summary

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"Morning Sunlight Boosts Alertness and Sleep"

  • To optimize alertness and sleep, it is recommended to view sunlight early in the day, ideally within the first hour of waking up.
  • Directly looking at the sun is discouraged, especially if it is too bright, but looking towards it without sunglasses is beneficial for neural retina stimulation.
  • Morning sunlight viewing is a scientifically supported practice that enhances wakefulness throughout the day and improves sleep quality at night.
  • Artificial lights are not a substitute for sunlight early in the day, and excessive exposure to artificial light at night can disrupt sleep patterns.
  • The duration of sunlight exposure varies based on weather conditions, with recommendations ranging from 5 minutes on clear days to up to 30 minutes on densely overcast or rainy days.
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