Nearly half of Americans spend under two hours outdoors weekly
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 8 Oct, 21:55 · Archive
Nearly half of Americans spend less than two hours outdoors in an entire week, according to a survey from the Nature & Health Alliance involving researchers at Texas A&M University. Dr. John La Puma, a California physician and expert in nature-based medicine, argues in his book 'Indoor Epidemic' that humans spend about 93% of their lives inside, which comes with a 'hidden health tax'.
La Puma identifies four main health problems caused by too much indoor time, starting with bad sleep. He explains that outdoor light is many times brighter than typical indoor lighting, making it a powerful signal for setting the body's internal clock or circadian rhythm. When people do not set their body clock properly, their sleep becomes irregular.
La Puma told Fox News Digital that many people feel exhausted even after a full night's sleep, need coffee to feel normal, and experience afternoon energy crashes. He recommends spending about 10 minutes outdoors within the first hour of waking, without sunglasses. Getting bright outdoor light soon after waking can help synchronize the body's sleep-wake cycle and support the natural rise of melatonin in the evening. He claims the remedy is a simple 7% outdoor prescription, since people typically spend 93% of their time indoors.
How it is being reported
- 4 hidden health risks of spending too much time indoors: doctorDr. John La Puma, a California physician and expert in nature-based medicine, has focused on the potential health impacts of spending less time outdoors.New York Post · 8 Oct, 21:35
- Doctor reveals 4 hidden health risks of spending too much time indoorsA Nature & Health Alliance survey finds nearly half of Americans spend under two hours outdoors weekly, fueling burnout, brain fog and belly fat.Fox News · 8 Oct, 12:00
In this story: Dr. John La Puma · Nature & Health Alliance · Texas A&M University · California
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