Growing scientific evidence suggests that observing the “golden hour” of sunrise and sunset can have a transformative impact on human memory, sleep, and emotional wellbeing.
These natural events are described by researchers as “bookends” to the day that serve as reliable triggers for awe, a psychological state that diminishes anxiety and fosters altruism, reports BBC.
The psychological power of awe
The primary benefit of these celestial displays is the induction of awe – a profound emotion felt when witnessing something vast that challenges one’s understanding. According to Michelle Shiota, a professor of social psychology at Arizona State University, a core property of awe is the “feeling of being small”.
This sensation helps individuals realise that their personal struggles are less significant in the broader scheme of the universe, which is highly beneficial for mental health.
These awe-inspiring moments can interrupt negative ruminative cycles by demanding an individual’s full attention, effectively grounding them in that moment.
Research indicates that while many things can inspire awe, natural phenomena and panoramic views are the most frequent sources.
Enhanced cognitive and social function
Beyond mood improvement, captivating sunsets may also “supercharge” cognitive abilities.
Professor Shiota conducted an experiment where participants who viewed an awe-inspiring film demonstrated significantly more accurate recall of details from a subsequently heard story compared to others.
The social impacts are equally notable. Jennifer Stellar, a psychology researcher at University of Toronto, has linked the regular experience of positive emotions like awe to lower levels of cytokines – biological markers of inflammation associated with heart disease, diabetes, and depression.
Additionally, the perspective shift caused by awe has been shown to encourage “pro-social” behaviour. One specific study found that students who spent time looking at giant eucalyptus trees were more likely to assist a researcher with a task than those who had looked at a building.
Regulating the biological clock
The transition of natural light from dawn to dusk is critical for the regulation of the human circadian rhythm. Exposure to this cycle helps the pineal gland determine the appropriate production of melatonin for rest.
While sunrises act as a natural trigger for cortisol to begin the day, the soft red and gold hues of a sunset signal the parasympathetic nervous system to reduce cortisol levels, facilitating deeper sleep.
Mariana Figueiro, a professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, warns that artificial blue light from digital screens after sunset can disrupt this system, potentially leading to increased risks of depression and cognitive impairment.
For those unable to witness these events daily, a 2024 study suggests that LED technology designed to mimic the specific hues of sunrises and sunsets can also effectively help regulate internal biological rhythms.
