Natural Light Exposure as a Potential 7th Pillar of Lifestyle Medicine

A growing number of studies highlight the observed effects of natural light exposure on health and bodily functioning, as well as its added value for the performance of daily activities. Although natural light exposure is gaining increasing recognition as a determinant of health and well-being, it remains underrepresented in the field of lifestyle medicine and should be considered as a potential new pillar alongside a healthy diet, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, positive social relationships, and the avoidance of risky substances. This narrative review aims to synthesize the main findings of the literature and relevant conceptual frameworks that support the inclusion of daily exposure to natural light as a component of lifestyle medicine and its integration into clinical practice. Further research is required to better characterize the effects of natural light exposure on physical and mental health and the overall evidence presented in this article supports continued investigation in this field.