Morning light good for health - 7th March 2022

Scientists say that morning light is necessary to stay healthy. Morning light helps our patterns of waking and sleeping. If you get outside early, it really helps this process.

This can be difficult in winter, but scientists suggest that just 20 minutes can have positive effects. Oxford University scientist Aarti Jagannath explains that light is of great importance for both mind and body. The way humans work is "controlled by light."

Our body clock needs natural light. The 24 hour, sleep-wake pattern starts when the sun rises. We can experience problems if we use too much artificial light. It gives our bodies the wrong messages.

In Britain, more than three million people work during the night. These people face body clock issues. 97 percent never sleep properly. This can create health issues, which include weight and heart problems. Working at night is a health risk, says the World Health Organisation.

This danger's made worse by people spending little time in the fresh air. It's common for many people in Britain to spend less than 30 minutes a day outside. This period of time is decreasing every year.

Scientist Steve Jones, from University College London, says that sunlight is "powerful". He adds, "when the sun comes out, go out".