AMA #10: Benefits of Nature & “Grounding," Hearing Loss Research & Avoiding Altitude Sickness
Aug 30, 2023
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Explore the scientifically supported benefits of nature and sunlight exposure, including improved sleep and metabolism. Discover how spending time in nature positively impacts mental and physical health. Learn about the concept of grounding and the importance of outdoor activities. Delve into the plans to fund research in mental, physical, and performance health through the premium channel of the Huberman Lab Podcast.
Sunlight exposure early in the day improves circadian rhythm, mood, focus, and metabolism.
Being near moving bodies of water has positive health benefits, enhancing mental and physical health.
Deep dives
The Benefits of Sunlight Exposure
Sunlight exposure early in the day has significant benefits for setting one's circadian rhythm, improving mood, focus, alertness, nighttime sleep, and metabolism. Viewing morning sunlight directly in the eyes is a science-supported practice that enhances mental health, physical health, and performance. Sunlight exposure requires going outdoors, as the benefits cannot be achieved through windows or screens. While sad lamps can provide some benefits, they are not as effective as sunlight exposure. There is strong evidence for the positive effects of sunlight, but less evidence for other aspects of nature like grounding.
Positive Effects of Being Near Moving Bodies of Water
Studies show that being near moving bodies of water, such as waterfalls or running streams, may have positive health benefits. This phenomenon, known as negative ionization, has been studied by the laboratory at Columbia University School of Medicine. While some technologies have been developed to create negative ionization indoors, they have not been shown to produce the same level of positive effects as spending time near a moving body of water. Placing oneself near bodies of water, especially moving bodies of water, is supported by evidence as a practice that enhances mental and physical health.
The Value of Getting Out into Nature
Getting out into nature has numerous positive effects on mental and physical health. However, isolating specific variables, such as calming sounds, observing wildlife, or green colors, becomes challenging due to the many factors present in natural environments. While controlled studies can provide some insights, they may not fully capture the overall benefits derived from the gestalt nature experience. Nevertheless, spending time outdoors in nature, even for a few minutes a day, has been shown to reduce blood pressure, heart rate, and improve mood and sleep. Nature's benefits extend beyond specific variables, and it is recommended to get outside into nature as often as possible.
Welcome to a preview of the 10th Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode, part of Huberman Lab Premium.
The Huberman Lab Premium subscription was launched for two main reasons. First, it was launched in order to raise support for the standard Huberman Lab podcast channel — which will continue to come out every Monday at zero-cost. Second, it was launched as a means to raise funds for important scientific research. A significant portion of proceeds from the Huberman Lab Premium subscription will fund human research (not animal models) selected by Dr. Huberman, with a dollar-for-dollar match from the Tiny Foundation.