You Light Up My Life

To face a whole new day in the best possible way, turn your face toward the morning sun for 30- 45 minutes after rolling out of bed. Morning light is the cue for our brain and body that it’s time to wake up, says Michael A. Grandner, PhD, a research associate at the Center for Sleep and Circadian Neurobiology at the University of Pennsylvania.

The Center’s research says sun exposure inhibits the release of sleep-inducing melatonin, helping us to rise and shine. Even a small amount of sunlight can help, but for the best effects, Grandner recommends 10,000 lux, or the amount you get from the unobstructed sun on a clear day. Most indoor lights only have a couple hundred lux, so if you often have trouble starting your day, you should probably be getting out more!