Episode 669

Can Sunlight Add Years to Your Life? Here’s What the Science Says About the Sun’s Ability to Radically Improve Your Health

With Jonathan Jarecki

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Light shapes far more than our sleep; it influences our metabolism, hormones, energy, and long-term health. Yet modern life has quietly flipped our light environment upside down: too little sunlight during the day and too much artificial light at night. Today’s episode explores why that mismatch may be costing us far more than we realize.

Today on The Dhru Purohit Show, Dhru sits down with Jonathan Jarecki to explore the critical role of sunlight, especially infrared light, in health and longevity. They break down key studies on sun exposure, including its impact on melatonin production, metabolic health, and overall well-being. Jonathan also shares his 2026 Light Challenge (with beginner and advanced levels) and practical strategies for getting more natural light during the day, reducing artificial light at night, and understanding the health risks of inadequate sun exposure. This episode is a powerful reminder that light isn’t just a backdrop to our lives, it’s a biological signal that shapes long-term health.

Also mentioned in this episode:

For more on Jonathan, follow him on Instagram @jonathanjarecki, Whole Health’s Instagram @wholehealthpod, LinkedIn @jonathanjarecki, Threads @jonathanjarecki, YouTube @TheWholeHealthPodcast, Apple Podcasts @Whole Health, Spotify @Whole Health, or visit his Website https://jonathanjareckihea.wixstudio.com/jonathan.

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I hope you enjoyed this conversation as much as I did.
Wishing you health and happiness.
Dhru Purohit

In this Episode, you will learn

  1. The importance of light and sun exposure on lifespan
    (1:05)
  2. ICU infrared LED light study
    (11:20)
  3. The connection between the sun, mitochondria, and melatonin
    (24:06)
  4. The 2026 Beginner Light Challenge
    (34:40)
  5. The role of sunlight exposure in metabolic health
    (38:56)
  6. A lunch-break habit that can reprogram your biology
    (56:12)
  7. Why evening sunlight matters more than you think
    (1:00:23)
  8. The phone settings that protect your brain after dark
    (1:06:33)
  9. How much light do you actually need each day?
    (1:09:27)
  10. The Advanced Light Challenge for next-level health
    (1:11:20)
  11. Sunbathing: misunderstood, demonized, and powerful
    (1:14:46)
  12. ​​Why overhead lights at night are a hidden stressor
    (1:23:32)
  13. Jonathan’s story and journey into studying light
    (1:30:46)
  14. Final thoughts and key takeaways
    (1:35:27)

Guest

 
Dhru Purohit

Dhru is the host of the Dhru Purohit Show, a top 30 health podcast with over 30 million downloads. His interviews focus on the inner workings of the brain and the body and feature the brightest minds in wellness, medicine, and mindset.

Dhru Purohit is also a serial entrepreneur and investor in the health and wellness industry.

 
Jonathan Jarecki

Jonathan Jarecki is a pre-medical student, studying Biology and Neuroscience. He’s passionate about preventive medicine, evidence-based wellness, and translating cutting-edge research into practical tools for everyday life, exploring how light, water, and bioelectromagnetism shape health, performance, and longevity.

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