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Journal Club with Dr. Peter Attia | Effects of Light & Dark on Mental Health & Treatments for Cancer

Huberman Lab

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Optimal Health and Sunlight Exposure for Mental Health

Optimal health, especially mental health, can be achieved by exposure to specific types of light every 24 hours. The eyes have cells that respond to short wavelength (blue) and longer wavelength (orange and red) light, triggering signals to the brain. Low solar angle sunlight at sunrise and in the evening is enriched with these essential wavelengths and helps to regulate the circadian clock. Morning sunlight advances the clock, making one want to sleep and wake up earlier, while evening sunlight delays the clock, making one want to sleep and wake up later. This balance helps to keep the circadian clock stable. Midday sun, on the other hand, is considered a circadian dead zone and cannot effectively regulate the sleep-wake cycle, despite its other mood-boosting effects.

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