Latest news with #sunlight
Daily Mail
a day ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Couple finally win battle over neighbours' huge untrimmed hedge that left them suffering 'five years without sunshine'
A couple who have been embroiled in a long-running battle over a huge hedge overlooking their garden say they've suffered 'five years of misery and five years without sunshine' as a result. Keith Smith, 71, and his wife Julie, 68, told MailOnline that the matter has been a 'thorn in their side' that has taken a massive toll on their mental health. The couple have lived in their detached house, in the Prestonfield area of Edinburgh, for more than four decades. However, they say things changed after their neighbours moved in and planted cypress trees that grew several metres high. Mr Smith said the trees created a 'green wall' that went all the way along a fence dividing their gardens, preventing sunlight from getting into both the Smiths's garden and through the windows of their home - in what he brands a 'huge intrusion' and not suitable for adjoining gardens. This prompted an official row with the owners of the cypress trees, David Hunter and Niena Hunter Mistry, that has rumbled on for five years and seen the gardens inspected several times by various officials. Police have also attended over disputes between the neighbours. Edinburgh City Council initially knocked back the Smiths's bid to have the trees chopped down, but the couple later successfully appealed to the Scottish Government, which said the cypresses had to be cut down to 8.5 feet. The Hunters asked for one tree to be kept as it is, but that has also been ordered to be cut back to 8.5ft - and the Smiths say they are looking forward to this happening later this year. According to Edinburgh City Council's website, a hedge must be over 6.6ft from ground level before being considered a 'high hedge' potentially having a negative effect on people living nearby. Mr Smith, previously an employee of the local authority for 38 years, has now said that while the couple are hopeful the matter is dealt with, it has been 'a thorn in their side' and has caused them considerable stress and inconvenience, with many 'false dawns' along the way. In a document to the government, the couple previously said: 'The cost to the public purse must be considerable in terms of government, council and police resources. 'We, the Smiths, have suffered hugely financially, emotionally and physically by this process and sincerely hope, this will now lead to resolution.' The Hunters were unavailable for comment.
Forbes
5 days ago
- Science
- Forbes
Don't Miss This Weekend's Sky Show As The Moon Meets Regulus
The beautiful winter skies showing the moon, Venus, and Jupiter This weekend, a beautiful crescent moon will dominate the post-sunset evening sky. On Saturday, July 26, it will shine close to Regulus, the brightest star in the constellation Leo. Here's everything you need to know to see the crescent moon at its brilliant best this weekend. Where And When To Look Be outside shortly after sunset on Saturday and look toward the western horizon. The waxing crescent moon will be low in the sky but relatively easy to see. Just to its right — about two degrees away, or roughly the width of a finger held at arm's length — you'll find the bright, bluish star Regulus shining at magnitude 1.3. What You'll See The crescent moon is just 6%-lit, displaying Earthshine (sunlight reflected by Earth onto the lunar surface) on its dark limb. Regulus will shine steadily nearby. About 79 light-years from the solar system, Regulus is the brightest star in the constellation Leo, often called 'The Lion's Heart.' Saturday, July 26: Waxing Crescent Moon And Regulus Observing Tips Plan to observe soon after sunset because this conjunction will only last about 30–45 minutes before setting. Since both the moon and Regulus will stay low, so seek out a location with a clear and unobstructed view of the western sky. A rooftop, open park, or hilltop will give you the best chance to enjoy this close conjunction before the moon and Regulus set. You won't need any special equipment to enjoy this pairing, though binoculars will give you a great view of Earthshine on the moon. What's Next In The Night Sky Come back the next evening, on Sunday, July 27, and you'll see the crescent moon bulge a little as it approaches Mars. Overnight on July 29-30, the Delta Aquariid meteor shower will peak, offering a pre-dawn display of shooting stars. For exact timings, use a sunrise and sunset calculator for where you are, Stellarium Web for a sky chart and Night Sky Tonight: Visible Planets at Your Location for positions and rise/set times for planets. Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
The Guardian
5 days ago
- Science
- The Guardian
Country diary: Komorebi is a green world within a green world
Komorebi is a Japanese noun for sunlight passing through tree leaves. It seems to mean more than the rays of light, the play of dappled shadow; more than the ephemeral quality of a green shade; it's an aesthetic experience of sunlight interacting with foliage. Today is the hottest day of a heatwave. The air is stifling. Sunlight is burning. Under a canopy of leaves, a small wing lands on the table where I'm writing this in a notebook. How did it get here? The flickering hoverflies drone before they alight on lilies and dahlias in pots. A small fountain dribbles against ferns in the rocks. There is a dense canopy of Japanese maple, plum, fatsia and clematis. Komorebi is a green world within a green world. Its direct translation suggests the sunlight 'leaks' or 'escapes' from the leaves. All these chloroplasts in leaf cells, turning light into life. For many leaves, this heat must be hotter than their optimum temperature for photosynthesis, and those in the lower layers may benefit from light escaping from above; photosynthesis removes carbon dioxide and increases transpiration (water vapour) to produce cooling. Mine and other lives are grateful for this cool sanctuary. But komorebi is not such a still, peaceful world, as evidenced by this fallen wing. It's likely that a wasp ambushed a hoverfly in the leaves overhanging the table. Starting with its head, the scimitar blades of the wasp's jaws would have dismembered the hoverfly, discarding the legs and wings with surgical precision, the wasp returning to the nest to feed the chewed-up, protein-packed hoverfly to the larvae. What they are fed may determine their sex and caste – wasp destiny shaped by the beautifully banded bodies of hoverflies. This tiny wing is all that's left of the aerial magic trick of motionlessness; it's like a flake of celluloid film containing the places, lives and times composed of this green light of leaves. More importantly, komorebi is an experience life shares, a mood not described by just what it looks like or what it does. This heatwave is a sign of the coming climate; for komorebi, we need more foliage on all ecological levels. Under the Changing Skies: The Best of the Guardian's Country Diary, 2018-2024 is published by Guardian Faber; order at and get a 15% discount
News.com.au
17-07-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
So, you've had a bad night's sleep. Now what?
So, you've woken up tired after a bad night's sleep. While your gut might say 'coffee – now,' you might be wondering what's really the best way to push through the day. And what do the experts recommend you do so one bad night doesn't spiral into a week of sleep deprivation? Ditch the snooze button As tempting as it is, hitting snooze after a restless night can make things worse. Each doze-and-wake cycle fragments your sleep even further, leaving you more sluggish as the morning drags on. 'Snoozing can actually make you feel groggier,' says sleep expert Rachel Beard, Sleep Wellness Manager at A.H. Beard. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate Sleep deprivation makes dehydration more likely, which can worsen mental fog and tiredness. To prevent this, start your day with a large glass of water. Bonus points for adding electrolytes, or try bone broth if you fancy a switch. 'Just two per cent dehydration drops your cognitive performance by 10-20 per cent, affecting attention, memory, and mental processing speed,' explains nutritionist Veronika Larisova, co-founder of Chief Bar. Prioritise sunlight Natural light is your body's cue to reset. So try getting outside for 10–15 minutes as soon as you can after waking, ideally within the first hour. This suppresses melatonin, your sleep hormone, and boosts serotonin, lifting both your mood and alertness. 'Sunlight helps regulate your circadian rhythm so you sleep better the following night,' adds Ms Beard. Now it's time for coffee Yes, you can have your caffeine fix, just not immediately. Wait 90 minutes after waking so your natural cortisol levels (the wake-up hormone) can do their job first. Drinking coffee after breakfast may also curb the jitters, and limiting caffeine after 3pm will ensure it doesn't mess with your next bedtime. If you're desperate for a third cup, try stretching, a brisk walk, or a power nap first. Boring, we know, but it works. Move, but don't overdo it Gentle movement, such as a walk around the block or relaxing yoga, can counteract sleepiness by lifting your energy and mood. Not that you'd have the energy to, but resist any urge to smash out a high-intensity workout, 'which can add extra stress when you're already low on rest,' Ms Beard warns. Take a cold shower You might have heard that cold showers can help wake you up. But if you're hesitant to commit to a full icy wash, a few seconds under cold water at the end of your usual shower can do the trick, and jolt your brain into a state of alertness. Be mindful of your diet When it comes to breakfast, you'll probably want to reach for something sweet. However, it's probably best to focus on steadier sources of energy. Ms Larisova suggests a meal with eggs or other high-protein foods instead of reaching for a sugar hit, which can lead to crashes later on. 'Protein helps dopamine production, prevents sugar crashes and cravings, and keeps you full,' she says. For snacks, opt for meat bars or biltong rather than sugary treats, and try to avoid energy drinks if possible. Recent studies even show that creatine in the morning can help your brain function when you're sleep-deprived, so she recommends trying five grams of the supplement. Nap time A 20-minute nap before 2pm can be a game-changer. But longer or later naps risk derailing your sleep that night, so set an alarm and keep it short, Ms Beard advises. Resist any urge to 'catch up' on sleep by heading to bed drastically early, because this risks disrupting your body clock even more. Instead, use your regular wind-down routine: dim lights, switch off screens, and try something calming like reading or meditation before bed, and try to stick to your normal bedtime. If you're not sleepy, avoid lying in bed scrolling, as blue light from your phone will make it even harder to drift off.
CNET
15-07-2025
- Health
- CNET
You Need Sunlight More Than You Think. 5 Surprising Ways the Sun Can Boost Your Health
Summer is in full swing, which means many of us are spending plenty of time soaking in the sun. The best activities -- like getting gelato or hanging out in the park -- are generally reserved for the warm weather. But that's not the only reason you should ensure you're getting outside this summer. There are tangible health benefits that go along with sun exposure. But remember: It's important to be mindful of UV rays and heat exposure. Read on to learn how the sun benefits your health and what precautions you should take to ensure you're enjoying the summer safely. How much sunlight do you need? The amount of sunlight a person needs varies based on several factors, including skin pigmentation, location and age. Even with the differences, Dr. David Johnson, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of RedliteX, said, "You just need 10 to 30 minutes of sun a couple of times a week. You don't need to spend hours out there." That's not to say you can't spend more time outside. If you do, wearing sunscreen to protect your skin is essential. Your skin is the body's biggest organ, so don't forget to take care of it. Read more: We Found the Best Facial Sunscreens After Testing 87 Products 5 unexpected ways sunlight can help your health Helps you hit your vitamin D needs Vitamin D is essential for several bodily functions like regulating blood pressure, the immune system and blood sugar. It also contributes to your bone and muscle health. Sun exposure can help your body boost vitamin D production through biochemical reactions. "UVB rays from the sun convert a compound in the skin to vitamin D3, which is then processed in the liver and kidneys to become active vitamin D (calcitriol)," said Dr. Ryan Sultan, a psychiatrist at Integrative Psych. While the sun is a great option for passive vitamin D, it's worth noting that most people get their vitamin D from foods or supplements. I recommend the Nature Made Vitamin D3 dietary supplement if you're looking for a cheap and dependable supplement; it's what I take for low vitamin D. FreshSplash/Getty Images It helps regulate sleep Our biological clock, also called the circadian rhythm, is regulated by sunlight. How that clock works all comes down to melatonin, the sleep hormone. When the sun is up, the melatonin in our brains is suppressed, so we are alert and awake. As the sun goes down, the brain releases melatonin, and we start to feel tired. "Without this clock, nearly every physiological and psychological process in our body becomes dysregulated," said Sultan. As Sultan points out, an aligned biological clock regulates mood and supports learning and memory. Misalignment can contribute to mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. Our biological clocks can easily get thrown off because we no longer live solely by the sun. Electricity and blue lights from electronics can push off the release of melatonin, making it difficult to fall asleep. Johnson recommends people get 10 to 15 minutes outside in the morning to get their biological clocks back on track. Boosts your mood Another reason you should prioritize sunlight is that it can support your mental health by regulating your mood. Sunlight can increase the levels of serotonin production in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that acts as a hormone, often called the "feel-good" chemical. We feel emotionally stable and happy when serotonin levels are where they should be. When they're low, your risk of experiencing depression or depressive symptoms increases. Sultan tells his patients to get outside for a morning walk. "It's motivating to start your day knowing you're doing something good for your mental and physical health. Sunlight is nature's antidepressant." It may help skin disorder symptoms Sunlight can also help reduce symptoms of skin conditions, like eczema. This happens partly because it helps make vitamin D, which is essential for reducing inflammation. Eczema is a chronic condition marked by dry or scaly skin, itchiness and redness. Flare-ups happen because your immune system overreacts to stimuli or allergens, which results in inflammation in the body that manifests as irritated patches of skin. Sunlight can help other skin conditions, too. "Small, secure amounts of sun can also calm the immune system. In people with skin diseases like psoriasis or vitiligo, this can mean fewer flares," said Johnson. Getting sunlight may help your symptoms. However, it's not a replacement for regular treatment methods, and you should still be careful about how long you're outside. Sun exposure can be beneficial, but only briefly and only if you protect your skin while getting it. Read more: 8 Best Products for Eczema with the National Eczema Association's Seal of Acceptance Connect Images/Kills bacteria Sunlight can also help protect you from bacteria and viruses lurking in your home. UV rays kill bacteria and viruses by damaging the DNA of the virus or bacteria, which stops it from being able to replicate and spread. This helps minimize the spread of illness and improve air quality. One study found that rooms exposed to sunlight had about half the bacteria that dark rooms did. So, if you or someone in your household has been sick lately, open the blinds and let one of nature's most potent cleaning agents inside. You can also add air purifiers to your home to further reduce the amount of airborne particles like dust and pet dander. I like the Levoit air purifier as a budget choice that can make a difference. How to enjoy the sun safely Sunlight can benefit your health in several ways, like boosting your vitamin D production, easing skin condition flare-ups and boosting your moods. However, there is a thing as getting too much sunlight, especially during the summer when temperatures are high. According to the FDA, the sun's UV rays are the most powerful, which means you're most vulnerable to sunburn between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. You'll want to avoid sunburns as much as possible because they increase your lifetime risk of developing skin cancer. Keep these sun safety tips in mind:
