Since watchOS 10, the Apple Watch series 6, SE 2022 or newer, can measure how much time you spend in daylight. This way you know whether you are outside enough, which is good for vitamin D production.
The data will be less accurate in winter, because the Apple Watch is more likely to be covered by a jacket, sweater or gloves. But if the smart watch is not covered, the measurements will be more accurate. We explain how it works and what the benefits are.
Measure time in daylight Apple Watch
Do you own an Apple Watch Series 6, SE 2022 or newer? Since watchOS 10 you can find out how much time you spend in daylight and therefore outside. The feature is automatically activated and you can view the data in the Health app.
View daylight data
- Open the Health app on your iPhone or iPad
- Navigate to ‘Data’
- Choose ‘Mental well-being’
- Tap ‘Daylight Time’
- Check the measurements
Once you open the data, you can see how much time you spent in daylight per day, week, month or a longer period.
Health benefits
‘Time in daylight’ is an estimate of the amount of time spent in sunlight. In children, 80 to 120 minutes a day outdoors can reduce the risk of myopia (or nearsightedness). For adults, spending about 20 minutes outside every day has many benefits for the body and mind.
Time outdoors allows your eyes to focus on distant objects, which can reduce eye strain caused by working on something up close, such as a computer screen or notebook. Sunlight also allows your body to produce more vitamin D. This is necessary to absorb calcium, protect your bones, teeth and muscles and support your immune system.
Spending time outside in the daylight can reduce stress and promote positive moods in both children and adults. This is because sunlight helps the body produce serotonin, a hormone that supports many important body functions, such as mood, digestion and sleep.
When sunlight enters the eye, your body knows it’s time to be awake and active by producing serotonin. Serotonin helps you stay awake during the day and sleep at night. When you don’t get enough sunlight, it can disrupt your body’s natural sleep-wake rhythm or circadian rhythm. That’s why you’ll probably fall asleep more easily after spending time in the sun.
Estimation and distortions
It is good to realize that the values ​​you find in Health are only an estimate. Although the ambient light sensors in the Apple Watch are accurate, the values ​​may be incorrect. For example, because the Apple Watch is covered by a piece of clothing. Direct sunlight from behind a window can also be seen as time spent in daylight and outdoors.