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We already have some intense sunny days behind us. Good protection from the sun’s rays is very important. But it doesn’t work without sunlight either. Why can’t we live without sunlight? SRF Kids explains why sunlight is so important to us.
In the summer, the sun’s rays are particularly intense and those who don’t protect themselves well run the risk of sunburn or even skin cancer. But anyone who believes that life without sunlight is healthier is wrong.
What does sunlight do to us?
When the body receives sunlight, it sheds matter. These are called hormones. They control many processes in our body. The hormones that we release the most when we receive sunlight are also called happiness hormones. Because they put you in a good mood, i.e. have a positive effect on our mood. The sun’s rays ensure that we have more energy and can concentrate.
Legend:
We couldn’t live without sunlight.
SRF Kids
Sunlight also suppresses the sleep hormone that makes us tired. That’s why we get out of bed easily when it’s light. Sunlight helps build vitamin D, which is good for muscles and bones and our immune system, which is our defense against disease. This vitamin is particularly important for children so that they remain healthy and grow well.
Who else needs sunlight?
Animals need sunlight too. They also need vitamin D for good health. They also need sunlight for their so-called internal clock to function. This means that they have a regular sleeping rhythm. Some animals need the sun to warm up and get the right body temperature. For example the lizard. It can only move when it has “refueled” with enough sunlight.
Legend:
They depend on heat and sunlight: lizards. The picture shows a sand lizard that is mainly found in Central and Eastern Europe.
SRF/ Martin Partsch
Plants also need sunlight to live and grow. Plants also use sunlight to make oxygen. This in turn is vital for us humans and animals.
Legend:
Cows graze in the meadow. Without sunlight they would have no grass to feed on. And we would have no cows to give us milk or whose meat we could eat.
SRF/ Photo Agency Express
Why is sunlight important?
Sunlight has many properties that are important to us humans. It makes us happy. It keeps us awake and is good for our bones and muscles. In addition, an entire life cycle depends on sunlight: we humans eat animals that previously ate plants. And without sunlight, these plants would not exist. So if there were no sunlight, one consequence would be that we would have nothing to eat.
The world is not always easy to understand, even for adults. The “SRF Kids News” supports you in talking to children about current topics.
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