Time Spent in Outdoor Light Linked to Better Mood, Sleep, and Circadian Health
How Does Time Spent in Outdoor Light Affect Your Mood, Sleep, and Circadian Health?
Time spent in outdoor light is strongly associated with improved mood, better sleep quality, and healthier circadian rhythms, with research showing that people who spend more time outdoors experience less depression, fall asleep more easily, and have more stable daily rhythms. Studies reveal that even modest increases in outdoor light exposure—as little as 30-60 minutes per day—can produce meaningful improvements in mental health and sleep outcomes. The benefits appear to result from outdoor light’s superior intensity and spectral quality compared to indoor lighting, providing more effective circadian and mood regulation.