How Much Sun Do You Really Need Every Day?

The Dr. Josh Axe Show

Dr. Josh Axe

Religion & Spirituality, Health & Fitness, Christianity

4.9 • 1.4K Ratings

🗓️ 7 July 2025

⏱️ 31 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

We’ve been told to block and avoid the sun, but what if moderate sun exposure is actually one of the best things you can do for your health? In this episode, Dr. Josh Axe explores the science behind sunlight and why it’s essential for mood, metabolism, sleep, immunity, and more. Learn how to get safe, effective sun exposure, how it compares to supplements, and why smart sun habits could add years to your life. How sunlight helps your body make vitamin D naturally Why light exposure boosts serotonin, energy, and sleep quality Surprising benefits for metabolism, skin, and immune health The truth about sunscreen, skin cancer risk, and “safe” sun How much sun is enough—and how to do it wisely ------ Want more of The Dr. Josh Axe Show? Subscribe to the YouTube channel. Follow Dr. Josh Axe Instagram Twitter Facebook TikTok Website ------ Staying healthy in today's world is an upstream battle. Subscribe to Wellness Weekly, your 5-minute dose of sound health advice to help you grow physically, mentally, and spiritually. Every Wednesday, you'll get: Holistic health news & life-hacks from a biblical world view Powerful free resources including classes, Q&As, and guides from Dr. Axe The latest episodes of The Dr. Josh Axe Show Submit your questions via voice memo to be featured on the show → speakpipe.com/drjoshaxe ------ Links: https://www.bluezones.com/2022/11/the-link-between-sunlight-and-better-sleep/ https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-health/data-research/facts-stats/ultraviolet-radiation.html https://neurologyoffice.com/uv-exposure-the-good-the-bad/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10277019/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3427189/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165032721008612?via%3Dihub https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/ultraviolet-light-offers-benefits-for-some-skin-conditions/ https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/tanning/ultraviolet-uv-radiation https://www.buffalo.edu/ubnow/stories/2020/04/arany-light-therapy-covid.html https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412024001211 https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/1304-positive-and-negative-effects-of-uv https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6751071/ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/10992937_Effect_of_sunlight_and_season_on_serotonin_turnover_in_the_brain https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/benefits-of-moderate-sun-exposure https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-are-the-chances/202505/the-benefits-of-sunlight-0 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11468298/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10589638/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7154450/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5086738/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10239563/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26992108/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24697969/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2082713/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9573946/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532266/ https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0277388 ------ Ads: Get your free wealth protection guide from Preserve Gold. Visit www.preservegold.com/axe or text AXE to 50505 to claim your free guide, and you could receive up to $15,000 in free gold or silver with a qualified purchase or account rollover. Don’t wait – claim your special offers today! Unlock targeted biomarker testing—hormones, thyroid, metabolism—plus a 1-hour consult with a Senior Health Advisor. Spots are limited, grab yours now at MyBloodwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0	At Betway Casino, stake 10 pounds and get 150 free spins for new customers.
0:07.5	Download the Betway Casino app today.
0:10.2	18 plus Ties and C supply.
0:12.3	Begamblerware.org.
0:14.6	Did you know that people in the world's longest living regions called the Blue Zone spend hours outside in the sun every single day and usually
0:23.4	without sunscreen. In Okinawa, Japan, centurians tend their gardens and exercise outdoors with their
0:29.9	sleeves rolled up. And in Costa Rica, where the sun is strung year round, people often work outdoors.
0:35.8	In Sardinia, Italy, older men walk long distances
0:39.1	in the midday sun, they farm, they garden,
0:41.4	and they tend livestock.
0:42.8	This isn't a coincidence.
0:45.0	It's based on biology as sunlight has many benefits.
0:49.0	And sunlight is not only a natural mood booster
0:52.5	and the most potent source of vitamin D.
0:54.7	It's a foundational element of immune function, hormonal health, and even longevity.
1:01.3	Welcome to the Dr. Joshak Show.
1:03.3	Music So do you want to know what sunshine is really?
1:22.6	It's electromagnetic radiation from the sun.
1:26.6	It includes different types of UV known as ultraviolet rays, some visible, and many invisible, including infrared light.
1:35.1	And light from the sun acts as a biological signal.
1:39.4	It regulates dozens of systems, including your circadian rhythms, your hormonal production, your sleep,
1:46.1	your cognitive function, and your immune defense. And think of sunshine as a natural software
	...

Please login to see the full transcript.

Previous episode | Next episode

Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Dr. Josh Axe, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.

Generated transcripts are the property of Dr. Josh Axe and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.