What is Afternoon Light?
Afternoon light refers to the natural sunlight you are exposed to after solar noon (the point in the day when the sun is highest in the sky) and before the last hour of sunlight. This time period provides balanced light exposure that supports energy levels, mood, and overall health.
Why Afternoon Light is Important
Enhances Alertness and Energy
Afternoon light exposure helps sustain cortisol levels, which naturally decline after the morning. This can prevent mid-afternoon energy slumps and improve focus and productivity.
Balances Your Circadian Rhythm
Regular exposure to sunlight in the afternoon reinforces your circadian rhythm by signaling the body to remain alert and active during daylight hours. This ensures proper melatonin production later in the evening, promoting restful sleep.
Supports Vitamin D Synthesis
Afternoon sunlight has sufficient UVB rays to support vitamin D production, which is essential for bone health, immune function, and mood regulation.
Reduces Stress
Exposure to natural light in the afternoon can help lower cortisol spikes caused by stress and improve overall well-being.
How SunSeek Calculates Your Afternoon Light Recommendation
At SunSeek, we recommend 15 minutes of outdoor light exposure during the optimal time window for afternoon light. Our algorithm tailors this recommendation based on your location and the time of year:
Time Window
Afternoon light is best captured after solar noon (the time the sun is at its peak) and before one hour of sunset.
This period ensures balanced light intensity and UVB availability for both energy and vitamin D synthesis.
Seasonal and Location Adjustments
The duration of afternoon light exposure may vary based on your geographic location and the season. SunSeek calculates the exact solar noon and sunset times to tailor recommendations for your location.
Practical Benefits
Sustained Energy: Prevents the post-lunch energy crash and keeps you alert throughout the day.
Better Sleep: Reinforces circadian rhythm regulation for restful, restorative sleep at night.
Improved Mood: Exposure to natural light boosts serotonin production, reducing stress and improving emotional resilience.
Scientific Studies Supporting Afternoon Light
Circadian Regulation and Afternoon Light:
Research from Science Translational Medicine highlights how midday and afternoon sunlight exposure promotes wakefulness and supports overall circadian health.
Vitamin D Production in Afternoon Sunlight:
A study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that afternoon UVB exposure significantly contributes to vitamin D synthesis.