Solar radiation, both visible and invisible, is essential for proper human functioning. The availability of sunlight calibrates physical and mental activity and supports mood. Reasonable exposure to radiation can bring beneficial effects. Also, the illusion of light in VR environments works to promote mood and a positive perception of the world.
Star of vitality, or the effect of the sun on health
The sun’s radiation can be a source of health and well-being as long as one uses the energy it emits in moderation. Solar radiation is multicomponent and affects health and emotional well-being widely. The visible part of electromagnetic radiation reaches us, as well as invisible ultraviolet UV radiation and infrared IR radiation. Visible light (VIS) is high-intensity white light that has a key role in human functioning. An adequate dose of light reaching the eyes regulates the levels of the hormones serotonin and melatonin, which affects the rhythm of sleep and wakefulness. Light makes it possible to function comfortably and has a psychological effect, as it allows us to see the world in colors that affect our emotional state. Stimulation by the bright, colorful and sunny landscapes of the relaxation videos available on VR TierOne GO goggles can be helpful for well-being. The safe immersive experience of being in a sunny environment supports a person’s emotional need for contact with nature. The device can be especially helpful when access to actual sunny space is limited. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation penetrates the skin and acts on processes within it. This biological activity can have negative effects if we use sunbathing incompetently. Moderate exposure gives the desired benefits. Thanks to rays in the UVB range, it is possible to produce vitamin D, which is essential for health and the skeletal system. UV radiation affects the appearance of the skin, controlled doses improve the condition of the skin, which has a positive effect on the mood. Infrared radiation (IR) is felt as heat both on the surface of the skin and inside the body. This radiation penetrates into the deep layers, helps speed up healing processes and reduces muscle tension. The pleasant relaxation of the body and analgesic effect promote well-being.
Visible radiation and serotonin
Exposure to sunlight stimulates serotonin production in the brain and inhibits melatonin production. Serotonin is a substance produced from tryptophan, which is supplied with food (bananas, milk, nuts, cheese, turkey). When light levels decrease, melatonin is produced from serotonin to facilitate sleep. Disorders of the sleep-wake cycle are a feature of depression, and light therapy is used to restore the normal diurnal rhythm. Serotonin regulates physiological and psychological processes, and is called the happiness hormone. There are two independent pools of serotonin in the body, which do not mix and play different roles. As a tissue hormone, serotonin affects the gut and circulatory system, while in the central nervous system it acts as a neurotransmitter. Serotonin formed in the brain accounts for only 5-10% of the total, but it is this smaller brain pool, partially dependent on light exposure, that is responsible for mood and activity. Serotonin deficiency results in decreased mood, aggression, irritability, increased reaction to pain, migraines and insomnia. Shorter days can cause low levels of serotonin in the brain, and reduced sunlight can lead to the onset of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), or seasonal depression, which is most often found in regions of the globe far from the equator. The sun can support the production of serotonin, but will not improve its distribution in the brain. To increase the availability of serotonin at synapses, drugs are needed – mostly SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) to increase the amount of serotonin available to receiving nerve cells. The presence of serotonin in brain pathways improves mood, regulates emotions, promotes cognitive processes and affects pain perception. Serotonin stimulates neurogenesis and therefore helps keep the brain healthy. Long-term stress and high levels of stress-induced cortisol (hypercortisolemia) interfere with the production and impairment of serotonin and impair neurogenesis. Light therapy, as well as stress-reducing relaxation therapy, can be helpful for depression and the prevention of mood disorders. Various forms of therapeutic activities are needed to restore balance and maintain happiness at synapses.
Increase innovation and competitiveness
The reason why a therapist may reach for virtual support may be, right also from the point of view of increasing competitiveness, enthusiasm for the latest trends and reports from the industry. Introducing advanced therapeutic solutions that make use of Virtual Reality into the therapeutic practice is a clear signal that the therapist has up-to-date knowledge and is interested in improving the effectiveness of his services. VR innovations introduced increase the value of the service. VR gives an advantage in the market, as the service becomes cost-competitive with traditional interventions. VR TierOne therapy increases innovation wherever stress, anxiety and depression are present. An example is the inclusion of VR TierOne in the program to combat complications after COVID-19. The interest in using new technologies, incorporating them into a unique rehabilitation program, has been recognized with awards and international acclaim. The innovative approach to treatment has helped cope with the effects of the pandemic, but has also helped promote the facility, maintain its leadership position and build the image of the treatment team.
UV radiation and vitamin D
Vitamin D is derived to a small extent from the diet, and mostly from cutaneous biosynthesis made possible by UV radiation. This vitamin has a modulatory function for brain processes, promotes neuroplasticity and has neuroprotective effects. Vitamin D is important for the skeletal system, preventing rickets as it promotes calcium resorption. On the nervous system, it acts by exerting an important influence on the regulation of neurotransmitter metabolism in the central nervous system. Environmental, climatic and lifestyle conditions affect the amount of vitamin D produced. Especially during periods with less sunlight, vitamin D deficiency is common. Vitamin D deficiencies may play a role in the pathogenesis of depression. In addition, the clinical picture of depression creates a predisposition of deficiency – it reduces exposure to sunlight and is associated with loss of appetite, thus food deficiencies. Decreased concentrations of the “sunshine vitamin” can be secondary and lead to exacerbation of depressive symptoms. UV radiation leads to the formation of a tan, which is a form of protection against the penetration of this radiation. Pigmentation acts as a natural filter, which inhibits the production of vitamin D. In theory, cosmetic UV filters can reduce the production of vitamin D, but in fact few people apply a sufficiently thick and even layer of the specific product to the entire body.
IR radiation and relaxing heat
The sun is a natural source of infrared (IR) radiation, which is invisible to the human eye. This radiation is able to penetrate tissues deeply, reaches heat receptors in the skin and is felt as warmth. Tissues subjected to infrared radiation become better supplied with blood, cells become better nourished and devoid of toxins, metabolic processes take place in them faster. Under the influence of heat, endorphins are released, which relieve pain and stress. IR radiation can relieve chronic inflammation, is helpful in relieving pain, improves tissue elasticity. Muscle relaxation combined with the analgesic effect and thermal comfort promotes relaxation and well-being. IR radiation has health-promoting effects on the human body, but it is important to remember that too much IR can be debilitating and dangerous.
Leczenie słońcem, czyli jasno o helioterapii
The sun is used as a therapeutic agent. Heliotherapy is the treatment of direct sunlight. It uses the combined effect of incoming solar radiation, but primarily uses the UV range. Any therapy is based on intentional action and controlled conditions, also in heliotherapy certain doses are used for therapeutic effects. The dose is calculated taking into account various factors, but the basis is the so-called erythemal (erythemal) unit. The ability to plan and implement heliotherapy treatments is sometimes hampered by the variable sunshine in some regions of the globe. To facilitate access to radiation and be able to control its range and intensity, radiation-emitting devices are used. Such therapy using artificial sources of radiation is called actinotherapy. The term phototherapy is broader and accommodates both natural and artificial light therapy. Phototherapy in mood disorders is recommended for seasonal affective disorder, prophylactically with the prevention of winter depression, and as an auxiliary treatment for depression without seasonal features. Mood disorder therapy uses visible light mainly in morning sessions such as dawn simulators. It is important to remember that light therapy alone for depression may not be enough. Depression is a complex phenomenon, and its causes may go beyond biological reasons. That is why it is so important. That’s why combined methods – traditional and supportive – are so important in depression. Depression limits the spontaneous use of the beneficial factors of the natural environment. The use of therapeutic devices such as VR TierOne GO, based on both technology and referring to nature, can provide a supportive treatment alternative in this situation.
