Evening sun exposure
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Evening sun exposure impacts our circadian rhythm by phase delaying the clock. This means viewing low solar angle sunlight in the evening helps push our wake time and bedtime later, similar to pushing a swing when it's at the top of its arc. Evening sunlight exposure is significant for maintaining a consistent sleep-wake cycle without drifting earlier or later each day. notes it's vital to view low solar angle sunlight both in the morning and in the evening, as they regulate our circadian clock together. Midday sun falls into the circadian dead zone and does not shift the circadian clock 1.
Additionally, evening sunlight can protect against the bright artificial light exposure we often experience at night. A study references suggests that viewing the setting sun in the evening can halve the amount of melatonin suppression that occurs from nighttime artificial light exposure, which he refers to as a "Netflix inoculation" 2.
Overall, for optimal circadian health, it's suggested to view low solar angle sunlight early in the day and again in the evening 3. This daily practice can help support better overall health, from improved sleep to hormonal balance 4.
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