Sun sense

Most of us know our skin needs protection during the summer but, as James Moore reveals, the sunshine also has a positive impact on our wellbeing

- James Moore

Rays your spirits: Sunlight boosts levels of the feel-good hormone serotonin in our bodies, according to scientists in Australia.

They found people had higher amounts on sunny days, helping battle anxiety and depression.

Sunny delight: A study from the University of Pittsburgh, US, linked sunlight to reducing physical pain.

It can also raise our levels of sleep-inducing melatonin, helping us recover from the day.

Bone up: The sun helps our bodies manufacture vitamin D – you need around 15 to 30 minutes exposure a day, yet three-quarters of us don’t get enough.