Is the 'sunshine cure' a real thing? - CrowdScience, BBC World Service podcast

Recent questions

• How does weather affect mood and health?

  Weather can have a significant impact on mood and health. For example, sunny weather can energize and uplift mood, setting a positive tone for the day. Inconsistent climates, like in Melbourne, can negatively affect people's moods. Moving to warmer climates, such as Spain, is believed to improve health conditions, with residents crediting warm weather for alleviating issues like ME, arthritis, and heart problems. Research also shows a link between weather conditions like humidity and air pressure with pain levels. Overall, weather plays a crucial role in influencing mood and health outcomes.

• Can warm, sunny weather reduce pain levels?

  Warm, sunny weather may have the potential to positively impact pain levels. While a study found no significant connection between temperature or rain and pain, there is evidence to suggest that exposure to nicer weather after a cold winter is associated with better moods and memory performance. Spending at least 30 minutes outside in pleasant weather is crucial for these benefits. Additionally, Norwegians visiting Spain experienced improved mood and reduced pain initially due to the climate. Therefore, warm, sunny weather can potentially help in reducing pain levels.

• How does sunlight affect Seasonal Affective Disorder?

  Sunlight plays a crucial role in managing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). For instance, Rjukan, Norway, a town with limited sunlight, faces higher rates of SAD, which is treated with light therapy. Residents in the town experienced the sun disappearing in autumn, leading to mood changes. To combat this issue, mirrors were installed to reflect sunlight into the town square, attracting tourists and locals. Research shows that seasonal sunshine can significantly impact mood and cognition, highlighting the importance of sunlight in managing conditions like SAD.

• What are the effects of high temperatures on behavior?

  High temperatures can have various effects on behavior. For example, warm weather can alter mood and behavior, with optimal temperatures around 25°C leading to comfort and positive feelings. However, excessive heat can result in irritability and decreased problem-solving abilities. Research by Solomon suggests that higher temperatures can impact people's ability to handle stress, leading to increased impulsivity and violent behavior. Brain temperature rises with external heat, potentially affecting judgment and decision-making, as well as causing discomfort or distraction.

• How does weather impact societal interactions?

  Weather can impact societal interactions in various ways. For instance, high temperatures have been linked to increased conflict and societal collapse, as seen in historical examples like the Maya civilization. Research has shown that external factors, such as frustration from contentious political elections, can influence behavior, leading to increased satisfaction in destructive actions. Students were found to destroy assets of other students without clear benefit, indicating a tendency to enjoy damaging belongings. Therefore, weather can play a role in shaping societal interactions and behaviors.