Do you have a sweet tooth? Do you find it hard to resist a sweet treat every now and then? You’re not alone. Many people have a strong desire for sugary treats, but unfortunately, excessive sugar consumption can have negative health effects.

However, research has shown that light exposure can help reduce cravings for sugary treats.

What is Light Exposure?

Light exposure is the amount of exposure humans have to natural or artificial light. Our internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm, regulates many of our physiological processes and is heavily influenced by light exposure.

Sunlight provides the strongest natural light exposure during the day, whereas artificial light is prevalent in indoor settings, especially at night.

The Connection Between Light Exposure and Sugar Cravings

A number of studies have shown a positive connection between light exposure and sugar cravings.

Experiments have demonstrated that exposure to light can suppress the activity of the brain’s reward center, which controls a person’s cravings for sugary foods.

A 2017 study, published in Appetite, examined how light exposure affected food cravings in 19 healthy women.

Researchers exposed the women to 60 minutes of bright light in the morning for four days, and found that the women had decreased cravings for sugary foods compared to a control group that was not exposed to bright light.

In another study, published in the journal PLoS ONE in 2014, researchers investigated the connection between light exposure and sugar cravings in rats. The rats were exposed to light during the normal dark period.

The results showed that rats exposed to light were less likely to choose a sugar solution when given a choice between water and sugar compared to rats that were not exposed to light.

How Does Light Exposure Work?

The mechanism through which light exposure suppresses cravings for sugary foods is not yet fully understood. However, it is believed that the brain’s reward centers work in conjunction with the circadian rhythm to regulate the internal clock.

Light exposure during the day appears to reduce cravings for sugar, while exposure to artificial light at night can have the opposite effect on the brain’s reward center.

The Benefits of Light Exposure

Light exposure has many benefits, including:.

Improved mood and energy levels
Better sleep
Decreased stress
Increased alertness and cognitive function
Improved vitamin D production
Reduced symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

How to Increase Your Light Exposure

There are several ways to increase your light exposure:.

Get outside during the day and soak up some sun
Take a walk or exercise outside
Open your blinds or curtains to let natural light into your home or office
Use light therapy devices to simulate natural sunlight
Reduce your exposure to artificial light at night

The Bottom Line

If you have a sweet tooth and struggle with sugar cravings, consider increasing your light exposure. Spending just one hour in bright light in the morning may help reduce your cravings for sugary treats.

Plus, there are many other benefits to light exposure that can improve your overall health and well-being.