We protect our skin from the sun – but who actually protects us from artificial light?
In an era where screens and LED lights define our daily lives, we often forget that sunlight is our most powerful source of life. It nourishes the body, mind, and soul – and is much more than just brightness.
Do you feel the difference when sunbeams touch your face?
Natural light activates processes within us that no artificial light source can replicate. It regulates our internal rhythm, supports Vitamin D synthesis, strengthens the immune system, and lifts our mood.
But that is just the beginning. Sunlight acts upon the deepest layers of our biological system:
It harmonizes hormones, improves sleep, boosts energy, and contributes to bone health.
Even our concentration and productivity depend on how much natural light we absorb daily.
“El ser humano antiguo sobrevivía. El ser humano moderno subsiste.”– Carlos Stro, light researcher from his book: Supervivir – Vuelve al origen y recupera tu salud
In English: “Ancient humans survived. Modern humans merely exist.”
These words remind us that we have lost our original connection to nature – and with it, the understanding that sunlight is a part of our biological design.
At BARAU, we see a conscious return to natural light as a form of self-care: a reconnection to life itself, to energy, clarity, and genuine regeneration.
Humans are biological beings that react to environmental stimuli – and one of the most important is sunlight, because without it, our body loses its orientation: hormonal axes fall out of balance, inflammation creeps in, and the nervous system remains in a state of constant activation, the so-called sympathetic state.
The morning sun sends a signal to the retina: “It is daytime.” This information synchronizes thousands of internal clocks – in the skin, liver, heart, gut, and muscles. This lets the body know when to burn energy, eat, think, or rest.
In the evening, however, the warm light of the sunset signals: “It is time for regeneration.”
“La salud empieza en la luz y con la luz.”– Carlos Stro, Supervivir Podcast, Part 1
In English: “Health begins in light – and with light.”
That is why the first and last minutes of light in the day are true medicine.
They promote the release of serotonin and melatonin, strengthen the immune system, and help stabilize the internal clock – gently and entirely without side effects.
Melatonin – the hormone of regeneration and balance
Melatonin is the hormone that signals to our body that it is time to wind down.
It is produced, among other places, in the pineal gland as soon as it gets dark –
controlled by the light signals that reach the brain via the eyes.
But in order to produce sufficient melatonin at night, the body needs real, natural sunlight during the morning and the day. Bright daylight
calibrates our internal rhythm and ensures that melatonin synthesis takes place in the body and that its release begins at the right time in the evening.
If, however, we spend most of our time under artificial light – especially in front of screens that consist almost exclusively of the blue portion of the light spectrum – this natural cycle is interrupted.
Blue light tricks the brain into thinking it is daytime, even when it has long been dark at night. The result: Melatonin production is blocked, sleep is delayed,
and nighttime regeneration does not occur.
In the long term, this constant stimulation leads to a state of perpetual alertness: The body can
no longer distinguish between activity and recovery. Concentration problems, irritability, immune deficiency, and hormonal imbalances are often the silent consequences of a
disturbed light-dark rhythm.
Melatonin is therefore much more than just a sleep hormone – it is a signal of the balance between
light and darkness, activity and rest, artificial impulses from the outside world, and
our inner life.
Those who expose themselves to natural light regularly protect this balance – and thereby
strengthen their entire system.
Every light color carries its own specific effect
- UV light (≈ 280–400 nm) penetrates deep into the skin, stimulating the production of Vitamin D, melatonin, and dopamine.
- Infrared and red light (≈ 700–1400 nm) penetrate deep into the cells, stimulate blood circulation and regeneration, and have a calming effect on the nervous system.
- Darkness (the absence of light) activates melatonin release in the pineal gland and enables the function of the glymphatic system for brain detoxification. Without true darkness, nighttime regeneration remains incomplete.
See the figure:
The sun changes this spectrum throughout the day
In the morning and evening, gentle, long waves (red and infrared light) dominate; at midday, the shorter, activating blue components prevail. This natural sequence is the foundation of our inner balance.
“Light is not just brightness – light is a nutrient.” – Dr. Alexander Wunsch, human physician and light biologist
See the figure (Source: https://www.lichtmikroskop.net/optik/lichtspektrum.php)
Natural light has a different power
What many do not know: The difference between indoor and outdoor light is enormous – not only in its effect but measurable in lux, the unit of illuminance.
In enclosed spaces – whether at home or in the office – values usually lie between 100 and 500 lux. Even well-lit workspaces rarely exceed 1,000 lux.
Outdoors, however, the dimensions are completely different. On a sunny day, natural daylight easily reaches 50,000 to over 100,000 lux.
Even on an overcast day, it is still 10,000 to 20,000 lux – up to a hundred times more than indoors.
This enormous light intensity is one of the reasons why a walk outdoors feels so invigorating. Our eyes and skin do not just perceive brightness, but also the biological signals of sunlight – impulses that regulate hormones, mood, and energy levels.
Artificial light, by contrast, works differently
The blue light from screens in particular acts like a constant disruptive signal.
It tricks the body into thinking it is daytime, even when it has long been night.
The result:
Sleep problems, hormonal imbalances, exhaustion, and a silent decoupling from our natural biology.
Therefore:
It is not more light, but more natural light that we need.
Breakfast on the balcony, a walk in the midday sun, or a few minutes barefoot in the garden are enough to calm the nervous system and gather new energy.
See the figure (Source: https://www.lichtmikroskop.net/optik/lichtspektrum.php)
These simple steps will help you ensure your balance:
- Greet the day outdoors within the first 30 minutes of waking up – even if it is cloudy.
- Let your eyes absorb natural light regularly, without glasses or windows in between.
- Regularly open office windows, spend time in bright rooms, and take light breaks.
- Watch the sunset whenever possible – it acts as a biological switch for rest and sleep.
- Practice grounding. You can find our blog article on this topic here. Ground yourself by walking barefoot on sand, grass, or soil. This enhances the regenerative effect.
Our well-being depends heavily on how well our body can distinguish between light and darkness. A disturbed light-dark rhythm can cause many physical and emotional problems in the long term. Learn more about this – and how you can consciously stabilize your circadian rhythm – in the next article of our Wellness Techniques series. 🌙
👉 Let sunlight become a fixed part of your daily routine again –
not as a duty, but as an invitation to connect with life itself. Sunlight is nature's preventive medicine – free, beneficial, and available at any time. 🌞
Source:
📘“El ser humano antiguo sobrevivía. El ser humano moderno subsiste.”– Carlos Stro, light researcher from his book: Supervivir – Vuelve al origen y recupera tu salud
📘„La salud empieza en la luz y con la luz.” - Carlos Stro, Spotify Podcast Part 1
📘„Light is not just brightness – light is a nutrient.” – Dr. Alexander Wunsch, human physician and light biologist
