Chinese scientists from Qingdao University have found a link between prolonged exposure to sunlight and deterioration of brain health. The research was published in the scientific journal magazine Scientific Reports (SciRep).
The team analyzed data from 27.4 thousand people, with an average age of 55. All participants underwent brain scans and reported how much time they typically spent in sunlight each day.
The researchers divided the volunteers into three groups based on their sun exposure time: less than 1.5 hours, 1.5 to three hours, and more than three hours per day.
Using statistical methods, the scientists compared differences in structural brain markers across these groups, taking into account factors such as age, gender, physical activity, average sleep duration, skin color and medical history.
The results revealed a worrying trend: Participants who reported longer exposure to sunlight had smaller brain volume and increased white matter hyperintensity, which are considered markers of brain aging and may be associated with cognitive decline.
Those in the highest exposure group (more than three hours) experienced significant reductions in total brain volume, white matter, and gray matter compared to those exposed for shorter periods. This effect was particularly pronounced in men and those under the age of 60.
According to researchers, a person can be exposed to the sun for up to two hours a day without harming their brain health.
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Source: Gazeta
Barbara Dickson is a seasoned writer for “Social Bites”. She keeps readers informed on the latest news and trends, providing in-depth coverage and analysis on a variety of topics.