Does Watching the Sunrise Really Boost Your Mood? Expert Says the Truth Is More Complicated

In recent months, a growing trend has taken over social media. Influencers are encouraging people to wake up early to catch the sunrise, claiming that doing so can dramatically improve mood and overall well-being.

Professor Eitan Friedman, director of the Genetic Institute for Early Detection at Assuta Ramat HaHayal, decided to take a closer look at these claims and separate fact from fiction.

The Viral Sunrise Claim

According to Professor Friedman, many of the bold promises circulating online are not supported by the strong scientific evidence that people might assume.

"The study behind headlines such as 'Run to see the sunrise, it will improve your mood' is based on an opinion article published by an individual and not on actual scientific research," he explained in an interview on the Israeli television program HaOlam HaBoker ("The Morning World") on Channel 13.

Is There Any Truth Behind the Trend?

While Friedman challenges the exaggerated claims, he acknowledges that there is an important element of truth behind the broader idea.

Our bodies benefit from exposure to natural daylight in the morning. Morning light plays a crucial role in regulating the body's internal biological clock, also known as the circadian rhythm.

This effect is well documented scientifically and is particularly beneficial for people suffering from significant clinical depression. For these individuals, exposure to natural light, especially when combined with appropriate medical treatment, can contribute to improved outcomes.

Why Morning Light Matters

Sunlight helps synchronize the body's internal clock, influencing sleep patterns, alertness, hormone production, and overall well-being.

However, this does not necessarily mean that everyone should force themselves to wake up before sunrise.

The body's response to light is closely connected to individual biological rhythms, which can vary significantly from person to person.

One Schedule Does Not Fit Everyone

One of the key messages Friedman emphasizes is that there is no universal wake-up time that works equally well for everyone.

Each person has a unique biological clock. Some people naturally function better earlier in the day, while others are biologically inclined toward later schedules.

For this reason, simply copying an influencer's morning routine may not be the best approach for your health or well-being.

Listen to Your Body

Professor Friedman encourages people to pay attention to their body's actual needs rather than chasing online trends.

As he says: "We need to understand that we cannot work 20 hours and sleep only four."

The takeaway is simple: while morning sunlight can be beneficial and plays an important role in regulating our biological rhythms, good health depends on more than watching a sunrise. Adequate sleep, balanced daily habits, and respecting your body's natural rhythms remain essential for both physical and mental well-being.