Question to a psychologist 

How does the sun affect human life. Information project on biology "the influence of sunlight on the human body". Reflected and global radiation

The sun is light, the sun is warmth, the sun is everything. If there were no Sun, or if it were different, life on Earth would also be different. Or maybe it would not exist at all ... Many religions are based on the worship of the Sun. In India - Brahma, personifying the principle of good, in Egypt - Osiris - a symbol of eternal life (dies in the evening, reborn again in the morning), among the Persians - Mithra, Adonai (now one of the names of God in Judaism and Christianity) among the Phoenicians, among the Greeks - Apollo . There was a god of the Sun - Yarilo and the Russians. In Islam, the day of the spring solstice on March 21 is celebrated with a special holiday "Navruz". The Bretorians believe that one can live life on a diet of sunlight, air, and water.

There is no doubt that the sun is necessary for the body.

More recent studies by a group of scientists led by Richard Weller (Edinburgh) found that when a person is in the sun, blood pressure decreases, the formation of blood clots decreases, and therefore the sun not only improves health, but also prolongs life, and can prevent the occurrence of serious diseases such as stroke and a heart attack. And if you put on the scales the benefit of preventing heart disease and the harm of the possibility of cancer, then the first will outweigh.

The conclusions of scientists are relevant, because previously the main advantage of being in the sun was only one thing - the production of vitamin D.

Scientists warn that the time spent in the sun will be studied in the future. Only the first conclusions have been drawn.

The benefits of the sun

  • Serotonin is produced in the brain under the influence of the sun (let us clarify that serotonin is produced not only under the influence of the sun) - a hormone that plays a huge role in the processes of blood clotting, affects allergic reactions, it is called the "hormone of happiness", the presence of serotonin in the blood in sufficient quantities increases mood, responsible for sexual arousal.
  • Under the action of the sun, vitamin D (calciferol) is produced, which helps to strengthen bone tissue, helps to remove heavy metals from the body, and strengthens the immune system.
  • Under the influence of the sun's rays, the biologically inert nitrite NO 3 is released in the body and converted into nitrate and nitric oxide, which lower blood pressure and reduce the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes.
  • The sun has an antibacterial effect, the number of acne decreases, wounds and cuts heal faster, which means that the skin becomes better.

Sun damage

  • Sunburn is a protective reaction of the body to the action of sunlight, it is the first sign of the harmful effects of the sun on the human body. With further exposure to the sun, you can get a burn (the skin hurts, redness appears, then the skin peels off). Some people may develop melanoma (skin cancer).
  • Harmful to eyes/
  • Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays dries the skin, which means it contributes to aging.
  • Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause sunstroke. Signs: nausea, increased heart rate, fever. Loss of consciousness and even death is possible.

When in the sun, you need to take some precautionary measures:

  • Put on a headdress on your head, preferably light;
  • Use special means from sunburn;
  • Put on your sunglasses;
  • Try to avoid being in the sun during the day between 11 am and 4 pm.

Considering that the sun's rays are harmful, many girls began to replace natural tan with artificial. Of course, the opportunity to get a beautiful tan of the whole body attracts. But remember that fake tan is no less harmful. In addition, it does not bring the joy of being in the sun. A healthy lifestyle will allow you to do without artificial tanning.
Many women are embarrassed to go to the beach because of a few extra pounds. Diet by the summer will help you lose weight quickly and effectively. Having corrected your diet in a certain way in the direction of a healthy diet, you can not only enjoy the sun's rays, but also help your body tune in in such a way as to get not burnt skin in spots, but a beautiful chocolate tan.

6 components of a beautiful tan:

  • Tyrosine - amino acidfrom which melanin is formed, there is a protein food;
  • Tryptophan - an essential amino acid that is not produced in the human body and must be supplied with protein foods, stimulates the immune system;
  • Beta-carotene - a pigment that helps protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation and, consequently, burns, antioxidant, found in red, yellow products of plant origin;
  • Tocopherol - vitamin E, prevents the removal of moisture from the surface of the skin, and as a result - aging, the main content in vegetable oils;
  • Selenium - a chemical element, strengthens the immune system, is found in large quantities in seafood (squid, seaweed), cabbage, garlic;
  • Lycopene is a pigment that promotes an even tan, found in red fruits.

The sun will not offend, but it can punish. Therefore, do not neglect the rules of sun protection. Whether the sun will bring joy or bring trouble - it depends only on you. A healthy lifestyle without life-giving rays is not possible. Diseases dwell where the Sun rarely looks.

Interesting: the sun normalizes the production of female hormones in both women and men. BUT


Thanks to the Sun, life exists on Earth. But in addition to the obvious reasons for the influence of the Sun on our lives, scientists are constantly discovering more and more new relationships between the phenomena occurring on the Sun and what happens in the life of every person.

1. Solar poles and space exploration


According to NASA, in 2012, the Sun's north pole changed its polarity from positive to negative. And in 2013, the south pole also suddenly changed its polarity from negative to positive. The consequences of these changes in the electromagnetic field of the Sun will be felt for a very long time, although they are not too serious. Changes in the electromagnetic field have even been recorded by the Voyager space probes at the edge of our solar system. Also, cosmic rays can cause serious problems for astronauts and lead to failure of space probe equipment. Moreover, scientists have suggested that cosmic rays also affect the global climate of the Earth.

2. Source of life and duration of life


In 2007, the results of a study by Psybernetics Research Group scientists were published, according to which it was found that those born during the three-year peaks of activity of the 11-year sunspot cycle always have a shorter life expectancy than other people. The researchers surveyed more than 300,000 Maine citizens over 29 years. It turned out that those born during the peak of solar activity live 1-1.5 years less. Men were somewhat more susceptible to this effect and also more prone to various diseases. In addition, solar radiation has long-term effects on human genetics and evolution. In relatively recent history, chaotic bursts of solar radiation during solar storms are thought to have reduced human fertility and shortened life expectancy.

3. Connection of solar activity and suicides


Russian researcher Oleg Shumilov discovered unexpected facts while studying records of geomagnetic activity from 1948 to 1997. He found that geomagnetic activity peaked three times each year: from March to May, in July, and in October. When he compared the data on the number of suicides in the city of Kirovsk for the same period, he found a significant correlation between geomagnetic activity and the number of suicides. In 2006, his findings were confirmed by the Australians at Bioelectromagnetics, who found a similar relationship.

4. Sunspots and significant events in history

Russian scientist A. L. Chizhevsky presented to the American Meteorological Society his research on the correlation between global events and 11-year cycles of solar activity. According to Chizhevsky, each 11-year cycle occurred in four stages: minimum solar activity, an increase in sunspot activity, maximum sunspot activity, and a decrease in activity. Similarly, the activity of the human community took place. Based on this, Chizhevsky created the Index of Human Mass Excitability. Overlaying it over the entire history from 500 B.C. BC. up to 1922 in 72 different countries, Chizhevsky found that 80 percent of all significant events, such as wars, revolutions, riots, and mass migrations, occurred during maximum solar activity.

5. Sun and Arthritis


The possibility of a connection between solar storms and diseases such as arthritis has recently been proven. Although the cause of this association is unknown, further research may lead to the prevention of this disease. The authors of the work analyzed the incidence of rheumatoid arthritis and giant cell arteritis and found that within 12 months after the peak of geomagnetic activity, the number of new cases of these diseases increased sharply, and with a minimum of activity, it also sharply decreased.

6. Solar wind and flu


The sunspot cycle affects human health. It has long been found that the occurrence of serious influenza pandemics corresponds to 11-year cycles on the Sun. According to one theory, the effect of sunspots on the world's weather may delay the migration of migratory birds that carry the virus. As a result, these birds infect other birds for a longer time, which then transmit the disease to chickens, ducks and other poultry. Some even suggest that the virus is born in outer space and is brought into the Earth's atmosphere by the solar wind during its activity.

7. The stock market and peak solar activity


In the early 20th century, there was a theory that the American economy had something to do with sunspot cycles. Since then, this theory has been repeatedly criticized, but the fact remains that economists still note that the market does have activity cycles of 11 years, which roughly coincide with the activity cycle of the Sun. Solar activity also affects the growth of vegetation and crops.

8. Earthquakes and the sun


The study of earthquakes that have occurred over the past 400 years has shown a significant correlation with high solar activity. Data from the same study also showed that there were several times fewer earthquakes during periods of minimum solar activity. The researchers hypothesized that the increase in seismic events during times of greater activity on the Sun may be due to increased pressure on the Earth's magnetosphere due to higher solar wind speeds.

9. Effect of sunlight on physical and mental health


Everyone knows that excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays can be devastating to health. It turns out that the Sun can cause not only burns and skin cancer, but also mental illness. Light therapy has previously been shown to be effective for patients suffering from certain types of depression, mania and dementia. Lack of exposure to sunlight for pregnant women may increase the chance of their unborn children developing schizophrenia. However, in 2004, a study found that excessive exposure to intense UV rays leads to serious mental illness. During solar storms, the amount of ultraviolet radiation increases by as much as 300 percent. In the last 55 years, when the number of solar storms has increased significantly, there has been an increase in cases of mental illness.

10. Sunspot cycles and heavy rainfall


Kurt Stager, a paleoclimatologist at Paul Smith College in New York, has collected rainfall data in East Africa over the past 100 years and compared it to 11-year solar activity cycles. Stager found that heavy rainfall in East Africa always preceded peak sunspot activity. But the floods caused by heavy rains in East Africa cause many serious problems, including landslides and the spread of diseases such as Rift Valley fever.

Feel comfortable even on the sunniest days will allow.

"Where the sun seldom shines, there the doctor often comes." So says the popular proverb. How is it in real life? It is well known that the sun's rays have a powerful effect on the human body. And not always positive.

But if you learn to rationally use the light of the sun, then it will not only be a morning alarm clock, but also a cure for many diseases, as well as a factor that will improve skin condition. A beautiful tan can add a sophisticated charm to your appearance.

Types and features of solar radiation

The sun generously gives us three types of radiation, which affect the human body differently.

Visible radiation

The radiation visible to the eye is the colors of the rainbow familiar to us. Such radiation penetrates the skin to a depth of 1 centimeter. The visible spectrum affects the human nervous system, penetrating through the retina. A person has learned to use this measure of influence in everyday life in order to create a harmonious space for his existence.

For example, a room decorated in yellow, orange or green has a positive effect on our mood. Shades of red are able to activate activity, and blue - to slow down. Violet color depresses the psyche, green - soothes.

This feature of the influence of all colors of this type of radiation on the human body is often used for practical purposes in the design of the interiors of residential premises and offices.

Ultraviolet radiation

The most powerful effect on a person has ultraviolet radiation. Endowed with a short wavelength, UV rays have super-strong energy. They penetrate into our skin only a millimeter, but they can have both a healing and restorative effect, and a very harmful effect on health. Everything depends on the dose.

Under the influence of UF radiation, various biologically active substances are produced, which are carried throughout the body along with the blood, affecting the functioning of all systems and organs.

Human skin is heated under the influence of infrared rays. They are able to penetrate tissues to a depth of 3 centimeters. Under their influence, the blood vessels heat up and expand, and the blood circulation process intensifies. This contributes to the activation of redox reactions.

The positive effect of the sun on the body

Moderate exposure to the sun has a good preventive and curative effect. The action of UV rays is different and it is related to the wavelength.

Some rays contribute vitamin D production, other - pigmentation of the skin(formation of sunburn). It has been scientifically proven that a sufficient amount of vitamin D in the human body is produced by exposure to sunlight. Even good nutrition is not able to make up for it.

Rickets can develop from a lack of this important vitamin in children, so from birth, every child needs to receive a sufficient amount of solar radiation. In adults, a lack of vitamin D causes bone fragility and the structure of dental tissue is disturbed.

shortwave rays have the strongest bactericidal effect on the human body, killing pathogenic microbes. As early as 1903, doctors from Denmark used solar radiation to treat skin tuberculosis.

For developments in this area, the physiotherapist Finsen Niels Robert was awarded the Nobel Prize. The healing power of the sun's light lies in the ability to act on skin receptors, causing complex chemical reactions.

Effects of sunlight on health and mood

The secret of recovery and good mood lies in the fact that sunlight tones up our nervous system. At the same time, the functioning of the hematopoietic organs improves and metabolic processes normalize, and the endocrine glands begin to produce hormones more actively.

Ultraviolet not only prevents, but also completely cures many diseases: jaundice, rickets, eczema, psoriasis.

It is important to remember that only a moderate dosage of solar radiation has a positive effect on health and mood.

The negative impact of sunlight on humans

Living cells, absorbing ultraviolet radiation, begin to change and divide incorrectly. In this case, all kinds of mutations appear, and healthy cells die.

Eyes are often affected by sun exposure.. Reflecting sunlight, water, white sand, snow increase the brightness of lighting. The result of such exposure may be inflammation of the connective membrane of the eye or inflammatory processes in the cornea. In especially serious situations, a person can lose sight for several days.

This is usually the result of solar reflection off the snow. It begins with profuse lacrimation, and ends with chronic irritation of the eyes. The situation can be aggravated by repeated exposure.

As a result of strong irradiation of the eyes, many people develop clouding of the lens. Blindness occurs in 20% of cases.

The body's response to ultraviolet light

Everyone reacts differently to UV exposure. Sensitivity largely depends on age, natural skin color, thyroid condition, and the time of year.

Children and the elderly, people with increased thyroid function, fair-skinned and red-haired people are especially sensitive to the effects of solar radiation. Be careful when sunbathing in spring and summer.

The effect of ultraviolet radiation on human skin

Many people, wanting to tan faster, abuse the sun exposure. It is a mistake to think that radiant energy has an extremely positive effect on the skin, and sunburn is a sign of health.

After a short period of time in the sun, the skin becomes hot, begins to turn red. Soon the redness will disappear if you leave the sun in time. After a couple of hours, it will reappear and last for about a day. The next portions of irradiation will cause the formation of a pigment, which is called a tan.

The desire to quickly get a beautiful tan and stay in the sun for a long time will give a completely different effect. Sunburn caused by exposure to UV rays on the skin is an unpleasant, painful, and even dangerous phenomenon. After a short period of time after prolonged exposure to the sun, the skin turns red, swelling appears on it. Severe burning and pain is just the tip of the iceberg. Toxins, which are formed as a result of cell breakdown, poison the entire body. As a result - headache, nausea, malaise.

The unwise use of ultraviolet irradiation leads to the fact that the skin, protecting itself, thickens. The accelerated aging process begins. With repeated irradiation, skin cells change, begin to die off quickly. The tan is uneven, ugly age spots and moles appear on the skin.

Important! DNA molecules, which contribute to the restoration of the skin, are damaged by repeated irradiation. As a result, the skin begins to generate immature precancerous cells, and sometimes cancerous ones.

Cellular atypism generated by solar radiation can cause such types of cancer as carcinoma and melanoma. To cause such changes in the body can be both prolonged exposure to the sun, and excessive passion for solarium.

Solar Radiation Protection Measures

Most of the inhabitants of the middle zone and northern latitudes are eagerly waiting for spring to soak up the warm sunshine. We strive to use the first sunny days as a healing factor, often abusing exposure to the sun.

You need to take sunbaths competently, observing several rules that have been proven by life itself:

  • Scattered solar radiation in the shade is shown to the elderly and infants, as well as those with problems with the cardiovascular system and those suffering from chronic diseases.
  • Even healthy and strong people should limit their exposure to the sun, and sunbathing is recommended only during safe hours, when the sun is at its least active.
  • During the daytime, when the sun's radiation is at its strongest, it's best to protect yourself with a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and an umbrella.
  • The use of a good quality sunscreen with a high protection factor will eliminate many problems.

The amount of solar radiation reaching the earth is related to the time of year. At the equator, this indicator practically does not change. As you move away from the belt of the earth, this difference increases.

In winter, the sun is low on the horizon and we get scattered, gliding rays. Their intensity is reduced during this period. In summer, they hit the earth's surface vertically, which shortens their path and reduces heat loss when passing through the atmosphere. Therefore, in winter, solar radiation is the least dangerous.

The influence of the sun on a person is crucial. The sun emits ultraviolet radiation, which is an essential condition for life on Earth.

how does it affect

ultraviolet solar radiation(UV, UV) is a component of the electromagnetic spectrum located in the blue part of the electromagnetic spectrum, just below visible light and therefore not detectable by the human eye. Compared to visible light (wavelength 400 nm to 700 nm), UV radiation has relatively short wavelengths (180 nm to 400 nm) and therefore a relatively high energy level, since the energy levels are inversely proportional to the wavelength.

Ultraviolet light can be classified into three subtypes, namely:

  • ultraviolet A, long wavelength (UVA) - 315 nm to 400 nm
  • ultraviolet B, medium wave (UVB) - 280 nm to 315 nm
  • ultraviolet C, shortwave (UVC) - 240 Nm to 280 Nm.

The ozone layer in the atmosphere blocks most of the UV radiation, to a lesser extent the long-wavelength (UVA) radiation. All three components have different effects on the human body. The long-wave range, compared to others, is able to penetrate the skin and therefore is responsible for a certain effect on human skin. Exposure to high amounts of UVA leads to premature aging and skin damage. On the other hand, ultraviolet B, medium wave (UVB) does not penetrate our skin due to its short wavelength. Ultraviolet B, medium wave only reaches the surface of our skin and is responsible for tanning. Ultraviolet C, shortwave (UVC) has short wavelengths among others and therefore has the highest energy level. This makes it dangerous for all living organisms on earth. Luckily, the ozone layer protects us by blocking UVC.

Solar radiation level

Using a variety of sunscreens and gear is one way to protect our skin from UV damage such as sunburn. One of the simplest ways to measure UV radiation is to use the UV index. Each level of the solar radiation index corresponds to 25mW per square meter of UV radiation. The table below summarizes the UV index:

  • Less than 3 moderate impact
  • Between 3-6 high
  • Between 7-9 very high
  • More than 9 is extremely high.

High levels of ultraviolet light cause skin to age faster and increase the risk of skin cancer. Use of proper sunscreen actions or can help protect our skin from damage , caused by UV light .

Human exposure to the sun is harmful, but a balance needs to be struck between excessive UV radiation from the sun, which increases the risk of skin cancer, and sufficient exposure to sunlight to maintain adequate levels of vitamin D produced in the human body by exposure to sunlight.

The sun can be both a friend and an enemy to us. With a competent approach, it can be used to strengthen your health, increase immunity and improve mood. And, on the contrary, the unreasonable use of its capabilities can cause serious health problems. In this short article, we will consider the positive and negative effects of the Sun on the human body.

Benefits of the sun for human health

Regular sunbathing has a positive effect on our body. They help improve metabolism and blood composition, increase overall tone.

The positive influence of the Sun on the human body was noticed already in ancient times. Sick and weakened people were prescribed outdoor walks and sunbathing. This contributed to the improvement of their health.

It has long been proven that sunlight can kill pathogens of many diseases, including such serious ones as skin tuberculosis. In addition, under the influence of ultraviolet rays in the human body, vitamin D is produced, on which the strength of our bones and teeth depends. With a deficiency of this vitamin in children, rickets occurs.

An overdose of even the most useful medicine is harmful. The same can be said about the sun's rays. Excessive exposure to the sun entails a lot of unpleasant consequences. This is definitely worth knowing for those who like to sunbathe for hours on the beaches.

Ultraviolet light can have a damaging effect on the skin. Too much sunbathing can cause premature skin aging and early appearance of wrinkles. In addition, excessive sun exposure increases the risk of melanoma and other dangerous diseases. In order to avoid these consequences, you should sunbathe between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., when UV rays are at their weakest. Going outside, be sure to use protective equipment for the skin and hair to reduce the negative impact of the sun on the human body.

It is necessary to protect not only the head and body, but also the eyes, since ultraviolet destroys the retina. To avoid this, you should wear sunglasses. Their choice should be approached very responsibly. Poor quality glasses can only increase the destructive power of UV rays. So you should buy this important accessory only in opticians, and not in underground passages and other dubious places.