The health and wellness benefits of Vitamin N(ature) have been documented for over four decades. A quick summary shows that getting outside can:
- Reduce your risk of chronic disease.
- Improve your memory and focus.
- Boost your creativity.
- Help you heal.
- Enhance your psychological well-being.
- Strengthen your immune system.
Most people can personally describe how spending time outdoors and in nature makes them feel happier and healthier. But have you ever thought about getting Vitamin N at night?
In a world dominated by artificial light and screen time, the night has become something we often avoid or overlook. Yet, celebrating the night and embracing natural darkness offers profound health benefits.
Dr. Joe Blanda, a retired orthopedic surgeon, emphasizes that reconnecting with the night sky can be a powerful tool for improving overall well-being. Historically, humans have had a deep connection to the cosmos. From ancient cave art to celestial navigation, the night sky has guided and inspired us. Today, however, excessive exposure to artificial light at night is harming human health. It disrupts our circadian rhythms which can lead to sleep disturbances, metabolic issues, and increased risks of conditions like obesity, diabetes, mood disorders, and even cancer.
Natural darkness, on the other hand, helps restore balance. It allows our bodies to produce melatonin, a hormone essential for sleep and cellular repair. Spending time in the dark is a valuable source of Vitamin N. A recent study stated, “Feeling connected to nature [and the night sky] can give individuals a sense of purpose and meaning in life…[and] experiencing the beauty and wonder of the natural world can evoke positive emotions and a sense of awe, which can lead to increased overall happiness.”
To reap these health benefits, consider taking nighttime walks, stargazing, joining a full moon hike, or going camping where there is less light pollution. Explore your local parks to see if they have evening programs dedicated to bird migration, bats, meteor showers, fireflies, moths, owl prowls, salamander migration, or the night sky.
Another important consideration is advocating for darker environments around our homes and in our communities. Reducing artificial light supports not only human health but also the well-being of nocturnal wildlife. DarkSky International has helpful education resources about light pollution and easy solutions we can implement in our homes, at work, and in our communities.
Ultimately, celebrating the night is about more than just health— it is about reclaiming a part of our human experience that has been lost in the glow of modern life. By stepping outside and looking up, we reconnect with the rhythms of nature, restore our internal balance, and rediscover the beauty and healing power of the night.
To learn more about the powerful health and wellness benefits of nature, visit go.osu.edu/Nature-Matters.
Resources:
DarkSky International: https://darksky.org
DarkSky Ohio: https://www.facebook.com/DarkSkyOhio
Night Magic: Adventures Among Glowworms, Moon Gardens, and Other Marvels of the Dark by Leigh Ann Henion
Written by: Laura M. Stanton, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Warren County. Email: stanton.60@osu.edu
Reviewed by: Susan Zies, OSU Extension, Wood County, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator.