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Sunlight Matters
Welcome to Sunlight Matters, the podcast that illuminates the incredible power of the sun and its impact on our health, well-being, and way of life.
From its essential role in vitamin D production and mental health to its influence on architecture, urban planning, and sustainability, the sun shapes our world in ways we’re only beginning to understand.
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In each episode, podcast host Dave Wallace will chat with experts—from scientists and health professionals to designers and outdoor enthusiasts—to explore why sunlight isn’t just a backdrop to our lives but a force that shapes everything we do. So step into the light because here, Sunlight Matters.
Sunlight Matters
Sunlight and health in our modern lives with Arne Lowden
In this episode of Sunlight Matters, hosts Dave and Georg welcome Swedish sleep and light researcher Arne Lowden for a fascinating conversation about the science of light, circadian rhythms, and how our bodies and minds are profoundly shaped by solar exposure.
Dr. Lowden, author of the book Survive the Winter, shares powerful insights into how lack of natural light affects sleep, mood, and long-term health, especially in northern climates. We explore the hidden costs of indoor living, the realities of “social jet lag,” and the rising demand for light therapy as a natural solution to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Whether you're designing a sun-filled home, optimizing your daily habits, or just trying to shake the winter blues, this episode offers practical, research-backed guidance to help you reconnect with the sun and realign with your natural rhythm.
What We Cover in This Episode:
- Why sunlight matters for physical and mental health
- How snow cover increases daylight exposure in winter
- The link between circadian rhythms and modern urban life
- Light therapy tips for beating seasonal depression
- How teenagers, shift workers, and the elderly are impacted by light deprivation
- The role of architecture and home design in maximizing natural light
- When to use blue light and when to avoid it
- Is red light therapy worth the hype?
- Why even 10 minutes of daylight in the morning matters.
So find your spot in the sun, tune in, and give it a listen!
Arne's book Överlev vintern, gives tips and advice on how to stay alert, sleep well and maintain a good mood even during the dark season. It can be found here: https://www.bokforlagetpolaris.se/oeverlev-vintern/t-0/9789180662611