In Defense of Sunlight: The Surprising Science of Sun Exposure
Rowan Jacobsen
Jun 2026 · Simon and Schuster · Narrated by Rowan Jacobsen
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6 hr 5 min
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Upending everything we thought we knew about sun exposure, this “dazzling book” (Nature) explains the many health benefits of light and offers easy ways we can all incorporate more of it into our lives.
For decades, we’ve been told that the healthiest relationship with the sun is no relationship at all—that we should hide from direct sunlight or face the consequences. But in this groundbreaking investigation, acclaimed journalist Rowan Jacobsen presents the growing body of medical research on the substantial health benefits of appropriate sun exposure.
In this resounding call to return to common sense, Jacobsen offers seven words of advice: Get sun. Not too much. Go outside. Weaving together decades of scientific research, this “eye-opening investigation” (Publishers Weekly) confirms what many of us instinctually understand: moderate sun exposure isn’t something to fear—it’s what we need. In fact, sunlight is one of the simplest and most equitable treatments for a variety of health issues, from poor sleep and depression to high blood pressure and heart disease.
Part scientific examination, part cultural reckoning, In Defense of Sunlight not only traces how our misguided approach to sun avoidance developed, and how better science is now overturning those beliefs, it also offers practical advice for reaping the benefits of sun without the risks. “Clear-eyed” (The Wall Street Journal), thoroughly researched, and passionately presented, this “fantastic book” (Here & Now) can help everyone to discover one of nature’s best balms—right outside our door.
For decades, we’ve been told that the healthiest relationship with the sun is no relationship at all—that we should hide from direct sunlight or face the consequences. But in this groundbreaking investigation, acclaimed journalist Rowan Jacobsen presents the growing body of medical research on the substantial health benefits of appropriate sun exposure.
In this resounding call to return to common sense, Jacobsen offers seven words of advice: Get sun. Not too much. Go outside. Weaving together decades of scientific research, this “eye-opening investigation” (Publishers Weekly) confirms what many of us instinctually understand: moderate sun exposure isn’t something to fear—it’s what we need. In fact, sunlight is one of the simplest and most equitable treatments for a variety of health issues, from poor sleep and depression to high blood pressure and heart disease.
Part scientific examination, part cultural reckoning, In Defense of Sunlight not only traces how our misguided approach to sun avoidance developed, and how better science is now overturning those beliefs, it also offers practical advice for reaping the benefits of sun without the risks. “Clear-eyed” (The Wall Street Journal), thoroughly researched, and passionately presented, this “fantastic book” (Here & Now) can help everyone to discover one of nature’s best balms—right outside our door.
Upending everything we thought we knew about sun exposure, this “dazzling book” (Nature) explains the many health benefits of light and offers easy ways we can all incorporate more of it into our lives.
For decades, we’ve been told that the healthiest relationship with the sun is no relationship...
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About the author
Rowan Jacobsen’s award-winning science and cultural writing has appeared in the pages of The New York Times, The Washington Post, Harper’s Magazine, Outside, The Atlantic, Scientific American, Smithsonian, National Geographic, MIT Technology Review, and elsewhere, and his work has been anthologized in The Best American Science and Nature Writing. He has been a fellow at the Alicia Patterson Foundation, at the Knight Science Journalism program at MIT, and at the Nova Institute for Health, researching the impacts of light on the human body. He is the author of ten books, including the James Beard Award–winning A Geography of Oysters, Fruitless Fall, and Wild Chocolate. He has spoken at Harvard, Yale, and the Aspen Ideas Institute, and has appeared on CBS, NBC, and NPR. He can be found in Vermont—at least when the sun is shining.
Rowan Jacobsen’s award-winning science and cultural writing has appeared in the pages of The New York Times, The Washington Post, Harper’s Magazine, Outside, The Atlantic, Scientific American, Smithsonian, National Geographic, MIT Technology Review, and elsewhere, and his work has been anthologiz...
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