What is Evening Light?
Evening light refers to the natural sunlight you are exposed to during the last hour before sunset. This specific time period provides a unique spectrum of light that helps your body transition from the active phase of the day to the restful phase of the night.
Why Evening Light is Important
Prepares Your Body for Sleep
Evening light exposure signals the brain that the day is ending, promoting the natural rise of melatonin, the hormone responsible for helping you fall and stay asleep.
Balances Circadian Rhythm
Exposure to evening light reinforces your circadian rhythm by signaling the body to prepare for rest. This ensures that your body clock stays aligned with the day-night cycle.
Reduces Stress
Evening light exposure has a calming effect, reducing cortisol levels and promoting relaxation after a busy day.
Improves Mood
The soft, warm hues of the setting sun can enhance your mood by activating serotonin pathways, which help to stabilize your emotions.
How SunSeek Calculates Your Evening Light Recommendation
At SunSeek, we aim to help you make the most of the last sunlight of the day with a simple yet effective algorithm.
Time Window
We recommend getting evening light during the last hour before sunset. This is when the light spectrum shifts to include more red and orange hues, which are biologically soothing and support your circadian rhythm.
SunSeek calculates the exact sunset time based on your location to provide an accurate recommendation.
Duration of Exposure
Our current recommendation is 15 minutes of evening light exposure. This is sufficient for most individuals to signal the brain to wind down naturally and prepare for sleep.
Practical Benefits
Improved Sleep Quality: Helps the body transition smoothly to nighttime by supporting natural melatonin production.
Reduced Stress: Calms the mind and body after a long day.
Emotional Balance: Enhances mood by providing a relaxing, meditative moment to enjoy nature.
Scientific Studies Supporting Evening Light
Evening Light and Sleep Preparation
A study published in Chronobiology International found that exposure to natural evening light promotes melatonin production and improves sleep onset.
Light Spectrum and Circadian Health
Research highlights the benefits of the reddish spectrum of evening light in calming the body and reducing stress, enhancing overall well-being.