---
title: Sunshine and Sunglasses
date: 2009-04-10T15:23:24Z
modified: 2009-04-10T15:23:24Z
permalink: "https://elizabethyarnell.com/sunshine-and-sunglasses/"
type: post
status: publish
excerpt: ""
wpid: 836
categories:
  - Books
  - Living Naturally
  - Natural Remedies
  - Recommended Products
tags:
  - circadian rhythms
  - gratitude
  - sunglasses
  - sunshine
  - vitamin D
author: Elizabeth
---

My friend [Susan Mead](http://susanemead.com/ "Susan e mead"), a Master Herbalist with a wonderful new book out, _**Take Back Your Body Using Time-Tested Health Tips and Uncommon Sense**_, reminded me about [sunshine and ![](http://susanemead.com/images/stories/book.jpg "Take Back Your Body")

vitamin D production](http://www.effortlesseating.com/2009/04/vitamin-d-the-wonder-drug/ "vitamin d and sunshine") being thwarted by sunglasses.

Susan writes: ” Thought you might want to know that most Vit D is absorbed through the eyelids; I believe that’s why most are short on it since we all wear sunglasses so much. A hat not a problem, but any glasses will block that absorption.”

Good point, Susan. Besides blocking vitamin D absorption, sunglasses interfere with the body’s circadian rhythms, which depend on undiluted UV light hitting the retina to set our internal clocks. So, while you’re spending a few minutes outside getting your vitamin D, be sure to remove your sunglasses and tilt your eyelids up to the sun.

One of my favorite natural health instructors, [Elaine Newkirk](http://www.makeripples.com/CenterOfHope/ElaineNewkirk/default.asp "Make Ripples"), encourages us to use these vitamin D moments to feel gratitude. Its a great idea as it has been proven that feeling grateful for things in your life, no matter how small, has an astounding effect on attitude and health. Too often I find myself focusing on the struggles and forgetting the celebrations, so I was grateful to be reminded to practice gratitude while I bask in the sun with my sunglasses off and my eyes closed. 🙂