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70 reviews for:
Chasing the Sun: The New Science of Sunlight and How it Shapes Our Bodies and Minds
Linda Geddes
4.04 AVERAGE
70 reviews for:
Chasing the Sun: The New Science of Sunlight and How it Shapes Our Bodies and Minds
Linda Geddes
4.04 AVERAGE
Another non fiction book from the library because that seems to be what I'm in the mood for at the moment. This one is about sunlight and its effect on our bodies and minds, and what the rise of artificial light means for humans as a majority.
I found this a very easy nonfiction book to get into, it was divided into various chapters which looked at the beneficial effect of sunlight on people, what being deprived of natural light does to people, as well as what we can do to counter the effects of modern society on our biological rhythms. It was very interesting to see just how much our bodies relied on sunlight to run all the body systems, not just the ones related to sleep (though this one did come up). Much like the book on rest, there aren't as many studies on sunlight as there are on other aspects of health, like diet, but it is a well-reported treatment throughout history.
Yes, the author does highlight that sunlight, much like many things, is best taken in moderation and she does not ignore the skin cancer link, but she does point out the antibacterial properties of sunlight, on skin and healing. Too little and too much are both dangerous, just in different ways. She also talks about Vitamin D supplements and how they aren't nearly as effective as actual sunlight, which means there is something we have not found out about yet in the processes that go through out body from the sunlight and prevent diseases such as rickets. Again, mental health is highlighted here as sunlight can help to reset a sluggish circadian rhythm, which has been closely linked to depression (both a cause and a symptom of it), but sunlight is also helpful to prevent depression and other mental health issues. Mostly due to helping someone sleep but the author is quick to point out that while we know there's a link, we don't understand everything about this link.
This is definitely a book I would recommend and I especially liked the tips about helping to adjust your circadian rhythm, as a night shift worker.
4.5 stars!
I found this a very easy nonfiction book to get into, it was divided into various chapters which looked at the beneficial effect of sunlight on people, what being deprived of natural light does to people, as well as what we can do to counter the effects of modern society on our biological rhythms. It was very interesting to see just how much our bodies relied on sunlight to run all the body systems, not just the ones related to sleep (though this one did come up). Much like the book on rest, there aren't as many studies on sunlight as there are on other aspects of health, like diet, but it is a well-reported treatment throughout history.
Yes, the author does highlight that sunlight, much like many things, is best taken in moderation and she does not ignore the skin cancer link, but she does point out the antibacterial properties of sunlight, on skin and healing. Too little and too much are both dangerous, just in different ways. She also talks about Vitamin D supplements and how they aren't nearly as effective as actual sunlight, which means there is something we have not found out about yet in the processes that go through out body from the sunlight and prevent diseases such as rickets. Again, mental health is highlighted here as sunlight can help to reset a sluggish circadian rhythm, which has been closely linked to depression (both a cause and a symptom of it), but sunlight is also helpful to prevent depression and other mental health issues. Mostly due to helping someone sleep but the author is quick to point out that while we know there's a link, we don't understand everything about this link.
This is definitely a book I would recommend and I especially liked the tips about helping to adjust your circadian rhythm, as a night shift worker.
4.5 stars!
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.5
SO fascinating. A little wordy in chapter intros, but otherwise very engaging. I truly learned so much and want to make sure I get more sun/vitamin D in the winter!
SO fascinating. A little wordy in chapter intros, but otherwise very engaging. I truly learned so much and want to make sure I get more sun/vitamin D in the winter!
I really enjoyed the depth of perspective this book brought to the way our biology is related to the sun, and how that has impacted our past. My only drawback from a 5 star rating is that I was hoping for some in depth biological processes (in hindsight I shouldn't have expected that of a book written for a popular audience), so I was a bit bored by the science aspect. However, this is a great read for people who don't have biology degrees :)
informative
medium-paced
My eyes have been opened to the wonders of the sun and light. So much makes sense now.
I love that this book, although crammed with science, is simple enough to be read by anyone. I am a changed person.
I love that this book, although crammed with science, is simple enough to be read by anyone. I am a changed person.
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
The sun rises every single day and has done so for the past few billion years. This source of energy has played a pivotal part in the development of life on Earth and not unsurprising, it has been a focus of our collective attention for time immemorial. Many cultures have worshipped it or have tracked its regular path through the heavens and tried to elucidate meaning from it.
As the sun has been a central part of almost all the Earth’s inhabitants, lots of creatures have evolved in tandem with it, including us. Research has shown that the sun is key to our mental well being, sleep, immune systems and circadian rhythms. Too much sun is bad for us as it can cause skin cancers but then so is too little, those that rarely see the sun do not generate enough vitamin D that is essential for their health.
One of the biggest disrupters to our health in the modern day is artificial light. Ever since the light bulb was invented, cheap affordable light has been available to all so we have retreated indoors turning pallid in the glow of the modern screens. Office lighting is a good example. The output from the ceilings lights is fairly poor, you only get a fraction of light, around 200 to 300 lux, which is nothing when you compare it to the amount light on a bright day which can reach around 100,000 lux. All of these effects are cumulative, and if you live in northern Europe, then you are much worse off in winter because of the very short days.
I liked this book a lot, it does what a good popular science book should do, gives you a good overview of the subject and touches on lots of different subjects without becoming too academic. On certain elements, for example, on our body clocks and how to improve lighting for those on shift work, in particular, Geddes explores them in a little more depth. Worth reading.
As the sun has been a central part of almost all the Earth’s inhabitants, lots of creatures have evolved in tandem with it, including us. Research has shown that the sun is key to our mental well being, sleep, immune systems and circadian rhythms. Too much sun is bad for us as it can cause skin cancers but then so is too little, those that rarely see the sun do not generate enough vitamin D that is essential for their health.
One of the biggest disrupters to our health in the modern day is artificial light. Ever since the light bulb was invented, cheap affordable light has been available to all so we have retreated indoors turning pallid in the glow of the modern screens. Office lighting is a good example. The output from the ceilings lights is fairly poor, you only get a fraction of light, around 200 to 300 lux, which is nothing when you compare it to the amount light on a bright day which can reach around 100,000 lux. All of these effects are cumulative, and if you live in northern Europe, then you are much worse off in winter because of the very short days.
I liked this book a lot, it does what a good popular science book should do, gives you a good overview of the subject and touches on lots of different subjects without becoming too academic. On certain elements, for example, on our body clocks and how to improve lighting for those on shift work, in particular, Geddes explores them in a little more depth. Worth reading.