We’ve all heard the advice to “get some sunshine,” but have you ever considered the incredible power of a daily dose, particularly in the morning? That golden hour after sunrise isn’t just beautiful; it’s a powerful tool for boosting your physical and mental well-being. And the best part? It’s completely free!
In the Costa del Sol, this is the one thing we have an abundance of. If you are considering buying a property here, outside of all the normal great advantages of living here, the 300 days of sunshine a year hold the key to longevity.
Why Morning Sunshine is the Best Medicine
While a little sun at any time of day can be beneficial, there’s a unique magic to soaking up those early morning rays. The sun’s light is different then, with less intense UV radiation and a more balanced spectrum of light waves. This makes it the perfect time to get all the good without the bad.
Here are just a few of the incredible benefits you can unlock with a simple morning sun session:
Beyond the Surface: The Hidden Power of Infrared
While most people associate sunshine with visible light and UV rays, the sun is also a powerful source of something you can’t see but can definitely feel: infrared (IR) light. In the morning, as the sun is still low in the sky, the proportion of red and near-infrared (NIR) light is higher compared to the later hours of the day when the sun’s angle and UV rays are at their peak.
This is where the magic truly happens on a cellular level.
The Mitochondria Connection: Powering Your Cells
To understand the benefits of infrared light, we need to talk about mitochondria. Often called the “powerhouses” of the cell, these tiny organelles are responsible for generating most of the chemical energy needed to power your body’s biochemical reactions. The energy molecule they produce is called adenosine triphosphate (ATP). When your mitochondria are healthy and efficient, your entire body—from your brain to your muscles—functions better.
This is where infrared light comes in.
Specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light (typically in the 600-900 nanometer range) have a unique ability to penetrate deep into our tissues, reaching the mitochondria inside our cells. Once there, these photons are absorbed by a key enzyme in the mitochondrial energy-production chain, known as cytochrome c oxidase.
Think of it like this:
- Infrared light acts as a catalyst. When the infrared photons are absorbed by the enzyme, they kick-start a cascade of positive effects.
- ATP production gets a boost. The absorption of this light increases the efficiency of the electron transport chain, which is the final and most crucial step in generating ATP. This means your cells get a “supercharge” of energy, allowing them to perform their functions more effectively, whether that’s repairing damaged tissue, fighting off inflammation, or simply powering your brain for the day ahead.
- Improved cellular repair. With more ATP available, cells have the fuel they need to repair themselves, regenerate new tissues, and clean up cellular waste. This is why red and infrared light therapy is increasingly used in clinical settings for everything from wound healing to muscle recovery.
- Reduced oxidative stress. While the process of generating energy naturally creates byproducts called reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can cause cellular damage, infrared light helps the mitochondria better regulate these molecules. By improving mitochondrial function, it can actually reduce oxidative stress and protect the cell from long-term damage.
The Synergy of Morning Sunshine
This deep cellular benefit is a crucial part of why morning sun is so beneficial. While the Vitamin D from UV rays is a well-known systemic benefit, the near-infrared light from the sun’s early morning spectrum provides a direct, localized energy boost to your cells. It’s a two-in-one deal: you’re getting the systemic benefits of Vitamin D synthesis while simultaneously giving your cellular power plants a much-needed wake-up call.
So, when you step out into that gentle morning sun, you’re not just soaking up warmth. You are engaging in a powerful, natural form of light therapy that optimises your body from the inside out. It’s a daily ritual that costs nothing but offers a significant return on investment in your long-term health and vitality.
