Original version

BBC World Service South Asia

CrowdScience

Documentaries

Factual: Science & Nature

Factual: Science & Nature: Science & Technology

Answering your questions about life, Earth and the universe

We take your questions about life, Earth and the universe to researchers hunting for answers at the frontiers of knowledge.

BBC World Service Australasia

BBC World Service schedule for American satellite radio and the Caribbean

BBC World Service Americas and the Caribbean

BBC World Service

BBC World Service Online

BBC World Service Europe and the Middle East

BBC World Service News Internet

BBC World Service East Asia

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa Schedule

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa

BBC World Service West and Central Africa Schedule

BBC World Service West and Central Africa

CrowdScience: How does the sun affect my body and mind?

Discussion & Talk

GettyImages-637492768_crop.jpg

How does the sun affect my body and mind?

BBC World Service - CrowdScience, How does the sun affect my body and mind?

We explore the power of light to impact our health and wellbeing.

We explore the power of light to impact our health and wellbeing by changing our body clocks and increasing health risks.

Two years ago reporter Anand Jagatia travelled up beyond the Arctic Circle to meet Norwegian researchers in order to answer a question from US listener Kira on why some people function best in the mornings whilst others only come alive at night. In this episode we revisit the topic with the help of science writer and Parentland podcast presenter Linda Geddes, author of Chasing the Sun, a book which explores the science behind the sun’s effects on our bodies and our minds.

The morning sun helps to kick-start our day and our body’s biological cycle – so what happens when it barely rises above the horizon or we live for prolonged periods in artificial environments where the sun never shines? Research has suggested that some communities in northern latitudes are better protected against the mental and physical effects of reduced exposure to sunlight in the winter which might have implications for those suffering the winter blues. 

Presenter Anand Jagatia, Producer: Rami Tzabar



(Photo: Woman basking in the sun. Credit: Getty Images)

Accessibility links

Programme Index

CrowdScience

How does the sun affect my body and mind?

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC World Service South Asia

About BBC World Service