Tanning Lovers, Beware--You Can Become Addicted to the Sun

Most are aware of the serious health consequences associated with too much sun exposure, whether it's coming from outside rays or a tanning bed lamp. Yet a recent study published in the journal Cell shows that tanning can be addictive.

Researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and the VA North Texas Health Care System in Dallas exposed mice with shaved backs to a daily dose of ultraviolet (UV) light for a week. Findings showed that the light boosted their levels of beta-endorphins during the study period, otherwise known as the "feel-good" hormones.

The mice exposed to the light also illustrated certain side-effects related to the increased euphoria, including less sensitivity to touch and temperature, as well as withdrawal symptoms that presented when the light was blocked.

"This supports the idea that UV exposure is rewarding to the brain, and could have potential for addiction," said Dr. Bryon Adinoff, a psychiatrist at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and the VA North Texas Health Care System in Dallas.

Adinoff, who was not involved in the study, said he believes that these new findings suggest that UV exposure may activate certain reward centers of the brains. In other words, could tanning not be completely about a summer glow?  

"This suggests that (tanning) is not purely a cosmetic decision," said lead study author Dr. David Fisher, who is also the leader of dermatology service at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

 However, since we're programmed to seek out sun exposure to meet our need for vitamin D, where does the need for sun stop and "addiction" begin?

And, of course, sun exposure isn't the only way to jack up a healthy dose of vitamin D. Taking supplements or eating fish, eggs or vitamin-D fortified foods, can also help fill the requirement.