Chasing the Sun: The New Science of Sunlight and How it Shapes Our Bodies and Minds

Description

The full story of how our relationship with light shapes our health, productivity and mood. 'A sparkling and illuminating study, one of those rare books that could genuinely improve your life' - Sunday Times Since the dawn of time, humans have worshipped the sun. And with good reason. Our biology is set up to work in partnership with it. From our sleep cycles to our immune systems and our mental health, access to sunlight is crucial for living a happy and fulfilling life. New research suggests that our sun exposure over a lifetime - even before we were born - may shape our risk of developing a range of different illnesses, from depression to diabetes. Bursting with cutting-edge science and eye-opening advice, Chasing the Sun explores the extraordinary significance of sunlight, from ancient solstice celebrations to modern sleep labs, and from the unexpected health benefits of sun exposure to what the Amish know about sleep that the rest of us don't. As more of us move into light-polluted cities, spending our days in dim offices and our evenings watching brightly lit screens, we are in danger of losing something vital: our connection to the star that gave us life. It's a loss that could have far-reaching consequences that we're only just beginning to grasp.

Linda Geddes is a science journalist who specialises in biology, medicine and technology. She has worked as both an editor and reporter for New Scientist magazine, and has received numerous awards for her journalism, including the Association of British Science Writers' award for Best Investigative Journalism. She is also the author of Bumpology: The Myth-Busting Pregnancy Book for Curious Parents-To-Be. www.lindageddes.com Wellcome Collection is a free museum and library that aims to challenge how we think and feel about health. Inspired by the medical objects and curiosities collected by Henry Wellcome, it connects science, medicine, life and art. Wellcome Collection exhibitions, events and books explore a diverse range of subjects, including consciousness, forensic medicine, emotions, sexology, identity and death. wellcomecollection.org

Life-changing * Daily Mail * Readable and frequently fascinating ... Geddes's lovely book will fill you with longing for bright summer days, blue skies and a baking hot sun dispensing vitamin D and happiness to all who bask in its glow. Roll on, summer! -- James Marriott * The Times * A fascinating and deeply researched study into the surprising importance of sunlight for our health and wellbeing. Geddes will convince even the most committed sofa sloths to step outside into the sun. -- Gaia Vince What a BRILLIANT book! The antidote to anecdote, a great survey of current evidence. Just what the midwife ordered! -- Professor Alice Roberts This sparkling study explains how sunlight is vital to our physical and mental health: a book that could genuinely improve your life. * Sunday Times * Illuminating -- Sam Kean * The Wall Street Journal *