Oct. 12, 2023 – Although people need sunlight for optimal health, lower than 20% of individuals go outside every day for recreational activities or rest, in response to 2021 General social survey.
Now the identical smartwatch that tracks your steps and sleep may track your time within the sunshine.
“Apple’s Time in Daylight feature uses the watch’s ambient light sensor, as well as its GPS and motion sensors, to detect whether a person is outside. Clouds, shadows and even a long-sleeved shirt can affect the results.” The Washington Post Reports. “The feature is available on Apple Watch Series 6 or newer models.”
According to the Washington Post, sunlight increases the body's production of vitamin D, which in turn strengthens bones, regulates circadian rhythms, protects the eyes from strain, and improves alertness and mood by increasing serotonin levels.
“We are finding more and more data that sunlight has significant systemic health benefits,” said Richard Weller, professor of dermatology on the University of Edinburgh.
From an evolutionary perspective, humans are “used” to spending most of their time outside. Things have only modified because the Industrial Revolution.
JoAnn Manson, MD, a professor at Harvard Medical School, says that as little as quarter-hour a day, two or 3 times per week, is sufficient to boost vitamin D production as really helpful.
The amount of sunshine needed varies from individual to individual. Factors that affect sun exposure and absorption include skin color, clothing, location and more. Light-skinned people may only need quarter-hour per day, while those with darker skin tone might have for much longer.
Apple says it added Time in Daylight to make people aware of how much time they spend indoors doing nearsighted activities, reminiscent of their devices. The Washington Post reported that studies have shown that children who spend more time outside are less more likely to develop nearsightedness.