What you do during the day can have a profound impact on how well you sleep that night. In particular, the first hour in the morning can make and break whether you sleep soundly at the end of the day. For optimal sleep, you must decrease your light exposure in the evening. But in the morning you want to do the opposite and ensure you get into a brightly lit environment.For most people, exposure to sunlight is most beneficial if it occurs in the morning just after waking. Every morning, if your body, face and eyes are exposed to sunlight your body will increase its production of serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates everything from mood to sleep. Serotonin is also a precursor to melatonin, which is needed for deep restorative sleep. So getting out in the sun in the morning ramps up production of serotonin. In turn, after 12 hours or so, this serotonin is then converted into melatonin – helping us sleep later that night.
Chat to the team at your The Local Choice Pharmacy for more lifestyle tips.