Less Daylight Can Bring Challenges

MEC EAP & Professional Standards Committee

As daylight hours get shorter, it can be harder to get enough natural light. Early report times, long duty days, nighttime flying, reserve schedules, time-zone changes, and spending much of the day inside an aircraft or airport can all reduce your exposure to daylight.

Vitamin D, often called the “sunshine vitamin,” is important for bone health, immune function and muscle health. Low vitamin D levels have also been associated with depression and other health concerns. While vitamin D is not a treatment for depression, maintaining adequate levels is one part of supporting your overall health and well-being.

A LITTLE DAYLIGHT CAN GO A LONG WAY

• Get outside when you can.
• Take a short walk outdoors during daylight hours when your schedule allows. Natural light can help support your body’s internal clock and healthy sleep-wake patterns.
• Pay attention to your sleep.
• Irregular schedules and crossing time zones can disrupt your circadian rhythm. Exposure to daylight at appropriate times, along with a dark, quiet sleep environment, can support healthy sleep.
• Fuel your body. Include vitamin-D-rich foods such as salmon, tuna, egg yolks, and vitamin-D-fortified foods in your diet.
• Talk to your healthcare provider. If you have limited sun exposure or are concerned about vitamin D deficiency, ask your healthcare provider whether testing or supplementation is appropriate. Don't assume that more vitamin D is better - excessive supplementation can be harmful.

Remember, AFA EAP is here for you.

Find support and resources through a trained Flight Attendant Peer who will keep your conversation confidential.

Contact your local committee through our EAP Helpline: 800-424-2406