Chasing the Sun: How the Science of Sunlight Shapes Our Bodies and Minds

A fascinating look at how humans’ relationship with the sun continues to shape our bodies, attitudes, and societies. Our biology is set up to work in partnership with the sun. Little wonder then that humans have long worshipped and revered our nearest star: life itself arose on earth because its relationship with the sun was a special one, and that relationship still affects us well into the era of electric lighting, indoor workdays, and vitamin D supplements. What we are losing when we sever this ancient biological tie to the sun by spending more and more time inside during the day and surrounded by screens at night? Informed by cutting-edge scientific research and sparkling with memorable characters — from the modern druids who worship at Stonehenge each solstice to the Amish farmers who may have the right idea about healthy sleep patterns — Linda Geddes’s Chasing the Sun analyzes all aspects of our relationship to the sun, which continues to shape our bodies and minds in the twenty-first century. The fascinating stories, innovative science, and unique perspectives in this book make it clear that the ancients were right to put the sun at the center of our world, and it is crucial that we remember this bond as we shape our lives today.