As the sun sets and the day winds down, there is a growing movement encouraging people to embrace the night in all its natural darkness. Whether it’s a weekend retreat in a dark sky sanctuary or simply turning off the lights at home, this seasonal shift into “dark season” can have profound benefits for both our mental and physical health.
I recently found myself on a camping trip in Northern California, gazing at a sky so black I could barely see my hand in front of my face. The vastness of the night sky was awe-inspiring, with the Milky Way stretching across the heavens like a band of countless stars. This moment felt sacred, and I marveled at the beauty of what felt like untouched, pure darkness. Unfortunately, many of us are deprived of this celestial spectacle due to light pollution, which now affects more than one-third of the global population. In urban environments, artificial light is everywhere, preventing us from experiencing the tranquility and magnificence of a natural night sky.
Despite this, dark sky tourism is on the rise, with places like New Zealand’s Tekapo Springs and California’s Death Valley becoming prime spots for those seeking to disconnect from artificial lights. The idea of stepping into a “dark sky sanctuary” is about more than just avoiding light pollution it’s about reclaiming our connection to the natural rhythms of the earth and the cosmos.
The Science Behind Darkness
Our modern world is filled with light. From street lamps to electronic screens, light surrounds us at all hours, and while it can be energizing during the day, it can also disrupt our natural sleep patterns. The shift towards embracing natural darkness is rooted in the understanding of how crucial the balance between light and dark is for our overall health.
One of the most well-known benefits of darkness is its role in regulating our sleep. As the day fades into night, our bodies start producing melatonin, a hormone responsible for promoting sleep. This process is crucial for our circadian rhythms, which govern everything from sleep cycles to hormone release and even mood regulation. In a world flooded with artificial light, our bodies struggle to sync with these natural cycles, leading to issues like insomnia, anxiety, and even long-term health conditions such as breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
Interestingly, natural darkness doesn’t just help us sleep it also aids in cellular repair. Research has shown that melatonin has antioxidant properties, scavenging free radicals and protecting our DNA from oxidative damage. This means that the simple act of embracing darkness can help rejuvenate the body at a cellular level, contributing to a healthier and longer life.
The Psychological Benefits of Darkness
There is also growing evidence that natural darkness has significant psychological benefits. Spending time in dark, quiet spaces—whether it’s a dark sky sanctuary or a peaceful room without light has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and even depression. A 2020 study revealed that realigning our circadian rhythms by experiencing darkness can help lower inflammatory markers in the body, improve mood, and even reduce feelings of anxiety.
Moreover, the profound sense of awe that many people experience when they gaze at a star-filled sky has real psychological benefits. A sense of wonder and awe can lower stress levels, enhance emotional well-being, and foster a sense of connection to something greater than ourselves. This phenomenon, known as the “science of awe,” can trigger the release of oxytocin, the hormone often referred to as the “love drug,” which promotes feelings of happiness and bonding.
How to Get More Darkness in Your Life
For those who live in urban areas with pervasive artificial light, it can be challenging to experience true darkness. However, simple changes to your routine can help restore a healthy balance between light and dark. As experts recommend, dimming the lights and reducing screen time in the hour before bedtime can signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. For those living in areas with constant light exposure, investing in blackout shades or a sleep mask can help create the dark environment needed for restful sleep.
A New Relationship with the Night
In our culture, darkness often carries negative connotations, tied to fear and the unknown. Yet, as we learn more about its benefits, we begin to see darkness in a new light one that is healing, restorative, and necessary for our well-being. So, this winter, as the days grow shorter and darkness descends a little earlier each evening, consider embracing the night. Your body and mind may just thank you for it.
