NORTH DAKOTA (KXNET) — Imagine that something as simple as going out into the daylight could add years to your life. A study involving 90,000 people with wrist devices that have light sensors suggests this might not be far-fetched. The results showed that people who soaked in daylight hours had a 17-34% lower risk of dying early. But it's not just about sunshine; it's about the light itself. So could modern indoor living be quietly costing us? Sleep Junkie wanted to dig deeper into how Americans fare with daylight exposure, so they commissioned a survey asking how much time people spend outside in the winter. The results showed a nation split between people embracing the crisp air and those hunkering inside, which could cost their well-being. Now is the time for people to reconsider their habits as spring begins. The survey found that North Dakotans spent, on average, 15 hours outside over the winter — this is below the national average of 24 hours and 36 minutes. However, the survey didn't just track hours — it found out why North Dakotans are staying inside, and how they felt about light in their lives. 60% of people pointed out the obvious: cold weather. However, 17% of people put the blame on early darkness and another 11% said it was their packed schedules with work or school. These 3 energy-saving tips could be costing you Of the people who logged indoor hours, 80% of them said they make a point to sit by a window or in well-lit spots when they're working or studying, but the other 20% don't. Since sunlight is in short supply, 53% of people said they take a vitamin D supplement or eat foods rich in the vitamin to try to bridge the gap. If people knew they could lower their risk of dying early, 85% said they would tweak their daily routine to include 30 minutes of outdoor time — showing that the right motivation can move the needle. The survey also asked if the state offers enough public spaces — parks, trails, plazas — to encourage winter activity. And 64% of North Dakotans gave it a thumbs-up. When they get enough daylight, 88% of North Dakotans said they feel more energized and alert. In the debate between sunlight and screentime, 73% of people in North Dakota admitted to racking up more screentime. "Our bodies are finely tuned to the natural rhythms of light and dark, processing an internal circadian clock that is synchronized by light," said Dr. Stuart Peirson from Sleep Junkie. "As such, exposure to natural outdoor light — even for just 30 minutes a day — is important to ensure the correct alignment of our circadian clock, which is essential for our sleep quality and overall health. When our circadian rhythms are correctly aligned, they optimize our performance and mood and potentially reduce long-term health risks. In today's digital age, where artificial light often disrupts our internal clocks, exposure to natural daylight is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to improve our circadian rhythms and improve our physical and mental health." Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW ...read more read less