Key Points

• In addition to producing vitamin D, exposure to sunlight results in the release of other chemicals that promote mood enhancement, relaxation, pain relief, and other mental-emotional benefits; these chemicals include beta-endorphins, nitric oxide, melatonin, serotonin, and dopamine
• When the skin is exposed to UVB, beta-endorphins (the endogenous opioids made in the body) and vitamin D are produced simultaneously, suggesting a “reward” for UV-induced vitamin D synthesis when vitamin D levels are low, during which time a greater amount of beta-endorphins are released upon exposure to UVB
• Participants in a study on cognitive health with the highest sun exposure had higher average mental state scores of cognitive function compared to participants with medium or low exposure; this study concluded that long-term high sun exposure throughout life could reduce the risk of cognitive impairment in the later years of life