Sunlight Triggers Opiate Release in Brain and Improves Cognition Directly

What was said

"We now know that it literally triggers the release of opiates in the brain, sunlight. So yeah, your body wants it and your body rewards you when you get it. Some of those studies hit, the one about opiate release in the brain and other studies showing that when light hits skin, cognition actually improves. Like your metabolism cranks up a little bit when the body feels sunlight coming in."

Jacobsen cited research showing ultraviolet exposure directly causes the brain to produce opioid compounds and demonstrably improves cognitive function when light contacts skin. This hormonal reward system evolved over 500 million years as organisms adapted to constant sun exposure, explaining the universal positive mood response to sunshine.