Stroke cases are increasing rapidly in India, 30 minutes of sunlight will help in recovery; AIIMS study revealed

Can Sunlight Improve Stroke Recovery: A new study by doctors of AIIMS Delhi has revealed that just 30 minutes of sunlight daily, if taken along with regular treatment, can improve the recovery of stroke patients and improve their lives. This study was presented during the fifth Research Day of the institute, in which an easy and low-cost option for stroke rehabilitation has emerged.

Therapy is not available to many people

In fact, the process of recovery from stroke is often long and challenging. Patients require long-term therapy, which is expensive or not easily available for many people. The burden of stroke is continuously increasing in the country. According to data related to the Global Burden of Disease, about 12.5 lakh new stroke cases were reported in India in the year 2021, while about 94 lakh people were living with long-term effects of stroke.

Doctors at AIIMS sought to find out whether natural sunlight, if combined with standard post-stroke treatment, could safely aid recovery. The study found that patients who were given sunlight along with regular treatment had better stroke-related survival compared to patients who received only normal treatment. Apart from this, improvement in sleep and mood was also seen and no serious side effects were reported.

This study was conducted between November 2023 and April 2025. This included patients aged between 18 to 80 years who had suffered a moderate stroke within the last one month. After examining more than 200 patients, 40 patients were selected and divided into two groups.

How was the result?

One group was given the usual medical and rehabilitation care, while the other group was given the same treatment and was exposed to sunlight for 30 minutes every alternate day for 15 days. Sunlight intensity was measured with a lux meter and was kept between 10,000 and 25,000 lux, which is equivalent to mild outdoor sunlight. During the entire process, special attention was kept on the safety of the patients.

What does the researcher say?

Researchers believe that sunlight can help improve the body’s sleep rhythm, improve vitamin D levels and reduce inflammation, which are considered important for recovery after stroke. This research was done by the team of Neurology Department, which included Avadh Kishore Pandit, Shivam Mirg and other researchers. Patients were followed up for three months and their daily activities, movement, mood, sleep and overall health were assessed, however, it is worth noting that this study was limited to a limited number of patients and a single center.

What do doctors say?

Doctors say the results are important because sunlight is free, safe and easily available. If its results hold true in larger-scale studies, it could be especially beneficial for patients recovering at home and in areas where rehabilitation facilities are limited.

Also read: Alzheimer’s Disease: Alzheimer’s took away memory, but could not erase love, how did the person struggling with the disease keep his relationship alive?

Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

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