November 30, 2025 | 10:22 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The exposure to sunlight not only affects mood but also has an impact on a person's health and longevity. Christy Efiyanti, a lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine, IPB University, stated that individuals who are regularly exposed to sunlight tend to have a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and non-cancer/non-CVD related deaths.
Christy mentioned that various studies have indicated that inadequate sunlight exposure can significantly increase the risk of mortality. "Research in the past decade has shown that a lack of sunlight exposure may be responsible for 340,000 deaths in the United States and 480,000 deaths in Europe annually," she said in a written statement on Sunday, November 30, 2025.
She added that this condition is also associated with an increased incidence of breast cancer, colorectal cancer, hypertension, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's, and even autism.
She further added that sunlight plays a primary role in helping the body produce vitamin D, which is needed to maintain immunity, bone health, and metabolic function. "Adequate sunlight exposure can improve an individual's vitamin D status. Conversely, vitamin D deficiency often occurs in individuals who rarely engage in outdoor activities," she said.
Best Time for Sunbathing
Regarding the best time for sunbathing, Christy mentioned that the ideal sun exposure depends on timing, season, latitude, weather conditions, and individual skin color. "Melanin (natural pigment) in the skin acts as a barrier that affects the absorption of ultraviolet B rays. Generally, fair-skinned people need 5-15 minutes of sunlight exposure 2-3 times a week," she said.
A study in the UK recommends exposure for 9-13 minutes during lunchtime between March and September. In Indonesia, the research findings of Prof. Siti Setiati indicate that exposure to ultraviolet B rays for 25 minutes, three times a week for six weeks, can significantly increase vitamin D levels.
Christy also urged the public not to fear outdoor activities under the sun. "Increase outdoor activities and make sunbathing a daily habit. Don't forget to get yourself checked to determine your vitamin D status," she said.
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