How Sunshine Makes Us Happy

Kathi J. Kemper has written on how sunshine makes us happy in her book "Mental Health, Naturally". Daytime melatonin production is suppressed by bright light which also normalizes circadian rhythms. By restoring the internal rhythms of the body, including daily variations in sleepinesss, appetite, activity, temperature, blood pressure, and other physiologic functions, mental and physical health are nurtured. Also variations in light levels are associated with variations in serotonin levels. Serotonin is known as the happiness hormone. During the winter months when light is scacre serotonin levels are scarce.