Corporate Health and Wellness: The Surprising Benefits of NOT Wearing Sunglasses in the Morning

In the hustle and bustle of modern corporate life, health and wellness often take a backseat. However, boutique corporate health and wellness companies are bringing to light some unconventional wisdom that can have profound effects on our overall well-being. One such insight is the idea of not wearing sunglasses in the morning to boost melatonin production. But why is this so, and what does melatonin have to do with our health? Let's delve deeper.

Understanding the Melatonin Hormone

Melatonin, often referred to as the 'sleep hormone', plays a pivotal role in regulating our sleep-wake cycle. Produced by the pineal gland in the brain, its primary function is to signal to our body when it's time to rest and when it's time to wake up. As darkness falls, melatonin production increases, preparing our body for sleep. Conversely, as daylight breaks, its production decreases, helping us wake up.

The Intricate Dance between Melatonin and Cortisol

Cortisol, commonly known as the 'stress hormone', has an inverse relationship with melatonin. While melatonin signals our body to rest, cortisol wakes us up, giving us the energy to start our day. In a balanced system, as melatonin levels decrease in the morning, cortisol levels rise. This natural ebb and flow ensures we have a consistent sleep pattern and energy throughout the day.

Melatonin's Hormonal Partners

Melatonin doesn't work in isolation. It interacts with other hormones to ensure our body functions optimally. Some of these include:

- Growth Hormone: Released during deep sleep, it aids in cell repair and growth.

- Prolactin: Works alongside melatonin to regulate immune system functions during the night.

- Insulin: Its sensitivity is affected by melatonin, impacting our night-time blood sugar levels.

The Sunglasses Conundrum: Boosting Melatonin Production

When we shield our eyes from the morning sun by wearing sunglasses, we inadvertently reduce our exposure to natural light. This light exposure is crucial in signalling to our body to reduce melatonin production and increase cortisol, helping us wake up. By not wearing sunglasses in the morning, we allow our body to receive this vital cue, ensuring a balanced production of melatonin and its associated benefits.

The Perils of Blue Light at Night

Modern devices like smartphones, tablets, and LED lights emit blue light. Exposure to this light at night can trick our brain into thinking it's still daytime, suppressing melatonin production. This can lead to disrupted sleep patterns and reduced sleep quality. It's essential to limit screen time at night or use blue light filters to mitigate this effect.

The Colours of Sunrise and Sunset: More Than Just a Pretty Sight

The warm hues of sunrise and sunset do more than just offer a visual treat. These colours, ranging from deep reds to soft oranges, have a lower blue light concentration. This natural shift in light spectrum helps signal our body to either ramp up or wind down melatonin production, aiding in the synchronisation of our internal body clock.

In Conclusion

While the modern world offers numerous conveniences, it's essential to remember the innate wisdom of our bodies and the natural world. Simple practices, like not wearing sunglasses in the morning and being mindful of blue light exposure at night, can have profound effects on our health and well-being. As we continue to understand these nuances, boutique corporate health and wellness companies are leading the way in ensuring a holistic approach to our well-being, grounded in both science and nature.