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Can You Live On Just Light?

I read recently about a woman, Naveena Shine, 65, from Seattle, who was planning to go for six months without eating, existing solely on “nutrition” from the sun; Sungazing. She installed video cameras in her house, with live streaming, to prove that she wasn't cheating. After losing a lot of weight, she stopped after 47 days, as she feared she was encouraging others to copy her – without having the resources in place to do so safely.

Looking into sungazing and breatharianism, there are a lot of people around the World, who genuinely believe it is possible to live – and nourish your body – without eating.

What is Sungazing?

The idea behind sungazing is to gain increased energy, more awareness, and clearer thinking. It is a practice where you take a few minutes out of your day and focus on the rising or setting sun. As the sun is so crucial for our circadian rhythms – which are crucial for so many functions, this seems quite in line with a Paleo lifestyle. Who wouldn't benefit from getting away from artificial lighting and getting some natural sunlight. Sungazing actually involves doing just that – gazing directly at the sun – which is why it is so controversial. A lot of people, understandably, say this can cause serious long term damage to your eyes. Sungazers start off slowly focusing on the sun for a few seconds at sunrise and sunset initially (rather than when the sun is at it’s strongest at midday). Gradually they increase this time, until after a few months they are focusing on the sun for several minutes at a time.

Whilst focusing on the sun, sungazers practice meditation.

Looking directly into the sun does not seem like a remotely good idea – but being in the sun – and connecting with the Earth at sunrise and sunset must be a good thing. Not only does being in the sun give a Vitamin D boost (and at a far safer time of day, as the sun is not so strong), it is a great way to reset your body clock. I’d also speculate this would significantly help transform sleep patterns.

As for the not eating part, I can’t see any benefit in that. Whilst an occasional intermittent fast seems to be beneficial – going without food for long periods of time, can’t be a good thing.

The Rise of Alternative Nourishment Practices

While breatharianism and sungazing remain fringe practices, their popularity highlights a growing interest in reconnecting with nature, simplicity, and the body’s innate intelligence. There’s a longing among many people to move away from processed food, overstimulation, and dependency on pharmaceutical solutions. However, embracing natural health practices needs to be grounded in science and common sense – not just belief systems.

Human biology is complex and nutrient-dependent. Our bodies require specific amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals to function optimally. These cannot be absorbed from sunlight alone. While sunlight plays an important role in circadian health, hormone regulation, and vitamin D synthesis, it does not replace the role of food in providing macronutrients and micronutrients essential for survival.

The Power of Light – Without the Extremes

That said, there’s no denying that our modern lifestyles have taken us out of sync with the sun. We wake up to alarm clocks, live under fluorescent lights, stare at blue-lit screens well into the evening, and rarely spend quality time outdoors. This disconnection from natural light cycles can disrupt circadian rhythms, suppress melatonin production, impair sleep quality, and negatively impact mental health.

So while sungazing in the literal sense may carry risks, particularly for eye health, embracing the sun in more balanced and grounded ways can support your wellbeing. Exposure to early morning light can help anchor your circadian rhythm, leading to better sleep, clearer thinking, and improved mood. Walking barefoot on grass at sunrise, stretching in a sunny spot, or doing breathwork outdoors are all simple ways to reconnect with the Earth’s natural rhythms.

Sunlight and the Paleo Connection

From a Paleo perspective, our ancestors spent the majority of their lives in the natural world. They rose with the sun, slept after dark, and relied on the light-dark cycle to regulate everything from cortisol levels to immune function. By replicating these natural cues in our daily lives, we can improve our overall metabolic health and reduce reliance on artificial interventions.

Sunlight exposure, especially in the morning, triggers a cascade of biological responses: increased serotonin, improved dopamine sensitivity, and regulation of key hormones that control hunger, energy, and sleep. These benefits are well documented and offer a strong argument for prioritising daily outdoor time – no need to stare directly at the sun to reap the rewards.

The Role of Grounding and Nature Immersion

Closely tied to the sungazing concept is the practice of grounding or earthing – walking barefoot on natural surfaces to connect with the Earth’s electrical field. Proponents claim this reduces inflammation, improves sleep, and balances the body’s electrical charge. While research in this area is still emerging, anecdotal evidence suggests that even brief periods of nature immersion can lower stress, reduce anxiety, and improve mood.

Whether you believe in the electrical theory behind grounding or not, the simple act of walking barefoot on the beach, in the park, or through a dewy field in the morning offers undeniable psychological and sensory benefits. It’s a mindful pause that helps you step out of your thoughts and into your body.

Understanding the Appeal of Breatharianism

It might be easy to dismiss breatharianism as fantasy, but its appeal often lies in its promise of spiritual purity, detachment from materialism, and an extreme sense of control over the body. For some, it represents an ideal of minimalism and freedom from the demands of consumer-driven living. However, it’s important to recognise that many of the people who attempt this lifestyle end up with serious health complications – and in some tragic cases, death.

There’s a profound difference between seeking simplicity and denying biology. While meditation, sunlight, breathwork, and presence can enhance wellbeing, they cannot replace food. The human body is resilient, but it is not designed to operate indefinitely without caloric input.

A Better Approach: Nourishing the Body and Spirit

If you’re inspired by the essence of sungazing – connecting with natural cycles, simplifying your lifestyle, and slowing down – you don’t need to forgo food to achieve that. Instead, consider integrating mindful eating practices, seasonal living, and nature connection into your daily routine:

Eat with the seasons: Choose locally grown, in-season produce to stay aligned with nature’s rhythms and maximise nutrient density.
Practise mindful meals: Turn off devices and be present with your food. Notice colours, textures, and flavours.
Wake with the sun: Open your curtains as soon as you wake and get outside within 30 minutes if possible. Let natural light hit your skin and eyes (without looking directly into the sun).
Sleep with the moon: Avoid screens in the hour before bed. Dim your lights and embrace the darkness to encourage melatonin production.
Take breaks outdoors: Even a 10-minute sun break at lunchtime can lift your energy and restore focus.

The Importance of Community and Discernment

As the natural health world continues to grow, it's important to remain open but discerning. Not all ideas promoted under the wellness umbrella are safe or evidence-based. Sharing ideas with a thoughtful community can help you filter the useful from the dangerous — and prevent you from going too far down a rabbit hole without balance.

Curiosity is essential, but so is critical thinking. When something sounds too good to be true – such as living indefinitely without eating – it usually is. A grounded Paleo approach celebrates nature, simplicity, and ancestral wisdom, but never at the expense of the body’s basic needs for fuel, rest, and nourishment.

Final Thoughts

There’s no denying the power of the sun and the benefits of reconnecting with our natural environment. But light alone cannot sustain life. By embracing what sungazing symbolises – slowing down, tuning into natural rhythms, and valuing non-material nourishment – we can enhance our health and sense of wellbeing, without turning away from the fundamentals of biology.

It’s not about choosing between food and light. It’s about realising that true vitality comes from harmonising both – and honouring the incredible design of the human body in its full complexity.

I’d love to hear what you think about Sungazing. Completely ridiculous, or is there an element of truth in it? Leave your comments, below.

Are you a severe night owl LSPD late sleep phase disorder insomnia

Are you an extreme night owl?

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In my quest to understand more about my slow metabolism, I've been looking more and more at my circadian rhythms.

I've always been a night owl and tend to come alive late at night becoming super productive and creative, when everyone else is asleep. When I've worked long hours in the city – and had to get up early, I would often try to go to bed at a sensible time. But I’d just lie in bed feeling wide awake and frustrated that sleep didn't come. Until much, much later.

When you Google struggling to sleep, you come up with lots of hits for insomnia. Insomnia didn't quite feel right, but what else could it be? Insomniacs often wake up in the middle of the night and struggle to get back to sleep. Once I'm asleep, I don’t wake up until my sleep is abruptly ended by an alarm, or I have the rare luxury of waking up naturally.

I noticed when I wasn't working, and was able to follow my natural routine, I'd eventually feel tired in the early hours of the morning, and wake up around 11:34am. When I say around, I mean precisely. Every single day. So I was getting a decent 8 or so hours sleep. It just wasn't at a socially acceptable time. Doesn't sound so much like insomnia.

It has a name?

After researching this further, I eventually found out about other people who sleep like this too. And it has a name: Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (DSPD – but most definitely not to be confused with the other DSPD – Dangerous and Severe Personality Disorder). DSPD is exactly what I have been experiencing. A complete shift of the socially acceptable sleeping time several hours to the right. Core body temperature, hormones, alertness, energy levels – all happening at the “wrong” time.

Jetlag reset

I recently travelling halfway round the world from Australia to the UK. I had expected to be able to use jetlag to my advantage and “reset” my sleep times. The first few days it all went to plan, I’d be unable to fight off the tiredness by 8pm – and would be wide awake by 5am. But, after just a few days I fell back into my middle of the night to 11:34am routine. After researching DSPD, this seems to be the same issue across the board. Changing time zones is not a fix.

Curing DSPS?

It’s all quite gloomy on most sites, as many people believe there is no cure. They suggest getting a job to fit in with your natural sleeping times, rather than trying to work a conventional job with a 6am alarm call. The most common “cure” recommends you force yourself to stay up for an extra hour or two each night, with the idea being that after a few weeks you could stop adding on the time when you get to your preferred new bedtime, perhaps 10pm? But that seems like a bit of a hard core solution. In the middle of that transition you’d be sleeping over the entire daylight hours. That can't be good!?

My solution

Over the last few weeks, I've been trying out my own method of solving this – and I've made some really good progress.

The answer seems to be in Circadian Rhythms. We get our cues from daylight as to what time of day it is, and crucially the early morning sun is completely different to late afternoon sun. There is far more blue light in the mornings, which I simply never got to see. Also at night, all the artificial street lights come on, TV’s, computer screens, smartphone – and we’re bathed in artificial blue light signalling to our brain that it’s morning and we should be at the peak of our alertness!

So it was clear to me that I needed to get natural sunlight as early as possible in the mornings. As soon as I wake up, I now head straight outside, barefoot, and walk for about an hour. I've also stopped wearing sunglasses, to make sure I'm getting as much natural light in as I possibly can, particularly in the first half of the day. After sunset, I try to reduce artificial blue light as much as I can.

Whilst I'm not at conventional sleeping hours yet, I am definitely slowly shifting my times to the left. I'm starting to feel sleepy earlier and waking up naturally quite a lot earlier too. The biggest improvement has been my energy levels. I feel so much more alert and energetic during the morning and daytime. I'm also feeling a lot warmer during the day, which I think is a good indication that I may be on the track to normalising my circadian rhythm.

I'm never going to be an “Early Bird” naturally waking up at 5:30am everyday, weekend or weekday. But I hope to be able to shift my sleep and waking hours to something far more reasonable – and in turn increase my daytime metabolic rate and energy levels.

I’d love to hear more about your natural sleeping patterns in the comments, below. Are you a severe night owl (DSPD) too? Do you just live with it, or have you had any success in changing it? Any nuggets of information you have on circadian rhythms – I’d really like to hear!

Paleo Diet Primal Sleep Problems Blue Light Blockers-min

Is Blue Light Ruining Your Sleep?

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How is your sleep? If you’re struggling to get to sleep – or to get a decent amount of sleep, have you though that the problem might lie with your circadian rhythms? And that exposure to blue light may be messing up your circadian rhythms?

How we’re supposed to sleep

If you go camping, away from towns and cities, you might have noticed you get tired much earlier than you would do normally? When the only light after dark comes from a campfire, the signal to your body to produce melatonin, the sleep hormone. As soon as the sun rises the next morning, melatonin production slows down, telling your body it is daytime – and time to wake up and get going. For this reason light is absolutely crucial to your bodies internal body clock. The incredible range of sleeping potions on sale is surely proof at how widespread sleeping problems are.

Unfortunately the unnatural, man made lights that we all rely on, give off the same lights as the sun – signalling to our bodies that it is daytime. And most definitely not time to sleep. Blue light is everywhere; household lights, your computer, ipad, laptop, tv,street lighting, alarm clocks – it is hard to escape blue light. As well as messing up with natural sleeping patterns, excessive blue light exposure is also linked to increased cancer risk and an increased chance of obesity.

How can we escape blue light?

Fortunately there are measures you can take to limit your exposure to blue light:

After sunset, turn off all bright lights in your house (use candlelight or orange or red light bulbs)
Stop using electronics after dark…
…But if you must use your computer after dark, install the free f.lux program to minimise blue light
Make your bedroom as dark as possible, install blackout blinds (or go for the cheap option and stick card against the windows at night)
Sleep with an eye mask
Go one step further and wear blue light blocking glasses after dark (with orange, amber or red tinted lenses)

Other Disruptors to Circadian Rhythms

While blue light is one of the most significant disruptors of melatonin production, it’s not the only factor influencing your circadian rhythm. Stress, inconsistent sleep-wake times, lack of daylight exposure, shift work, and even poor meal timing can all throw your internal clock out of sync. To optimise sleep, it’s important to take a holistic view of your lifestyle — not just your bedtime routine.

One of the lesser-known issues is inconsistent wake times. If you sleep in on weekends and wake up early on weekdays, your body struggles to anchor a regular rhythm. This “social jet lag” can leave you feeling tired, moody, and foggy — even if you technically got enough sleep the night before.

The Role of Morning Light

Just as reducing blue light exposure at night is crucial, seeking bright light in the morning is equally important. When sunlight enters your eyes within the first hour of waking, it sends a powerful signal to your brain to suppress melatonin and start producing cortisol — the hormone that gives you energy and alertness to begin your day.

Ideally, get outside for 10–15 minutes shortly after waking. Even on cloudy days, outdoor light is significantly brighter than indoor lighting. If that's not possible, consider investing in a full-spectrum light therapy lamp to mimic natural light indoors.

The Sleep-Temperature Connection

Did you know your body temperature needs to drop slightly for you to fall asleep? Exposure to artificial light, heavy meals, or evening workouts can elevate body temperature, making it harder to wind down. Creating a cool, dark sleep environment can help send the right signals to your brain that it’s time to rest.

Set your bedroom temperature between 16–19°C, and avoid hot showers or baths immediately before bed unless you finish them at least an hour before lights out. Some people find success using cooling mattresses or bamboo sheets that help regulate body temperature through the night.

Movement, But Not Too Late

Exercise is one of the most effective tools for promoting deep, restorative sleep. It helps balance stress hormones, improves insulin sensitivity, and increases time spent in slow-wave sleep. However, timing matters. Vigorous training too close to bedtime can leave you feeling wired and restless, especially if it raises your core temperature or stimulates the nervous system.

Try scheduling your workouts earlier in the day. If evening is your only option, opt for gentler activities such as walking, stretching, or yoga. These can help release tension and promote relaxation without spiking adrenaline or cortisol levels.

The Sleep Impact of Late-Night Eating

Another underappreciated factor in poor sleep is late-night eating. Consuming meals too close to bedtime can disrupt digestion, raise body temperature, and even affect insulin and melatonin production. While this is often overlooked, circadian biology research shows that our metabolism follows a daily rhythm — and eating late can confuse your internal body clock.

To support better sleep, try to finish your final meal at least two to three hours before bed. If you’re genuinely hungry later in the evening, opt for a small, protein-rich snack rather than something sugary or high in carbohydrates. Avoid alcohol and caffeine as both interfere with sleep quality and your ability to reach deeper sleep stages.

Natural Sleep Promoters

If you’ve optimised your light exposure and sleep environment and still struggle to fall or stay asleep, there are natural remedies that can support your efforts. While they’re not a substitute for good habits, the following options may help smooth the transition into sleep:

Magnesium: A mineral known for promoting muscle relaxation and calming the nervous system. Magnesium glycinate or citrate forms are often recommended before bed.
Herbal teas: Chamomile, lemon balm, and passionflower teas can be soothing and support natural sleep onset.
L-theanine: An amino acid found in green tea, known to promote alpha brain waves and help reduce anxiety without drowsiness.
Glycine: An amino acid that may help lower core body temperature and promote sleep quality when taken before bed.

Creating a Calming Sleep Ritual

One of the most powerful ways to signal your body that it’s time to sleep is to create a consistent, soothing bedtime routine. This doesn’t have to be elaborate — the goal is to unwind, unplug, and prepare your mind for rest. Here are a few ideas to incorporate into your nightly routine:

Dim lights at least an hour before bed
Put away screens and opt for a paper book or journal
Use essential oils like lavender or cedarwood for their calming effects
Take a few minutes to stretch, breathe deeply, or meditate
Write down a few things you’re grateful for to shift your focus to the positive

Final Thoughts on Supporting Circadian Health

Our modern environment is filled with challenges to good sleep — artificial light, stress, irregular routines, and constant stimulation. But by understanding how circadian rhythms work and making a few targeted changes to your daily habits, you can dramatically improve your sleep quality without relying on medications or sleep aids.

Good sleep starts the moment you wake up. Anchor your day with morning light, move your body, eat nourishing foods at regular times, and give yourself permission to wind down in the evening. Over time, these small actions can lead to profound changes in your energy, focus, mood, and overall health.

If blue light has been disrupting your nights, now is the perfect time to reset your routine and prioritise rest — your body and brain will thank you.

How well do you sleep? Do you limit your exposure to blue light after sunset? I’d love to hear your sleep tips in the comments below!

Paleo Birthday Resolutions

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It’s my birthday today, which is the perfect time to evaluate my achievements this past year – and to focus on what I want to achieve in this brand new, unchartered year.

This past year can be summarised by one word for me: Paleo! I’ve travelled to America twice for PrimalCon and the Ancestral Health Symposium and met so many amazing, lifelong, Paleo friends along the way. I’ve refined my Paleo nutrition and found what works for me. My housemate and a few friends have adopted a Paleo lifestyle, which I am thrilled about. I’ve spent a lot of time this year researching and reading in the Paleosphere – and of course, I started this blog. My biggest personal achievement this year has been my fitness. I have never been as fit as I am now and it enhances almost every aspect of my life. Linked into all of these factors, my sleep has been another huge transformation this past 12 months. I used to really struggle to fall asleep, sleep very poorly, then struggle to wake up in the morning. The last few months however, I’ve been tired at bedtime, sleeping soundly and waking up before my alarm almost every morning!

It seems like a timely point to work out what I want to achieve between now and my next Birthday, with the help of some “New Years” resolutions. So, from tomorrow: –

Resolution #1: I’m going to see the sunrise and sunset every day.

This is going to be quite a challenge, but it seems a really important link, to the body’s natural circadian rhythm. After all, we should live alongside the natural day; staying up until 4am isn’t good for us. Here in Sydney Sunrise is between about 5:15am (this month) and 7am in the winter months. This should be fairly easy. I’ll get up just before sunrise, so I should see the sunrise on my walk into work. The time of year will then determine how long I spend in the gym/ swimming pool before I go to work – or perhaps I’ll even start work early? Sunset will be a lot more of a challenge, as in Sydney it varies from around 4:50pm in June to about 8:10pm in the summer months (I do miss those long summer evenings in the UK!). I’m not sure how I’ll tackle this one in the winter, but the summer should be quite achievable.

Resolution #2: I’m going to get rid of five things every day.

One Primal area I really struggle with is minimalism! I have a lot of “stuff”. My friend Lars over at Primal Minimalist has recently started a new daily habit of de-cluttering his house by five things every day. I could honest do this every day for the next year – and probably still have quite a lot left by my next birthday. So this is what I’m going to do!

Resolution #3: I’m only going to eat local food.

I think I’m probably fairly compliant on this one already, when I eat at home. When I eat out however (which is all too frequently), I often have no idea where the food is sourced from. I need to know this. I think it’s really important to eat local food (and ideally, organic). This should also mean I am only eating seasonally, which is also important. I can hopefully achieve this by bringing in my lunch to work, and eating out less. When I do eat out, I’ll be very careful to select somewhere that uses local food – and I won’t be afraid to ask! One area that might not be possible is coconut oil; I’ll investigate further, but may need to make an exception here.

Resolution #4: I’m going to up the ante on my chin-up & fitness mission.

By my next birthday I want to be able to do ten unassisted pull-ups and be working towards hand-stand push-ups! I also want to be considerably fitter and stronger than I am today. As I have never been as fit and strong as I am today, this is all very exciting new territory.

Are you still sticking to your New Years or birthday resolutions? Which new Paleo habits would you like to adopt? What do you think of my resolutions?

Reflecting on a Year of Paleo Progress

As I look forward to another Paleo-filled year, I’ve realised that the power of consistent, conscious habits cannot be overstated. These resolutions aren't just short-term goals—they’re foundational lifestyle shifts that can build lasting wellness. So many of the benefits I’ve experienced—improved sleep, fitness, energy, and mindset—have been cumulative, reinforcing one another over time.

Resolution #5: Prioritise Sleep and Recovery

While my sleep has already improved dramatically, I want to go one step further and truly optimise my evening routine. That means limiting screen exposure after dark, having a consistent bedtime (even on weekends!), and winding down with stretching or meditation. Good quality sleep helps regulate hormones, improves recovery from workouts, and supports immune health—all key tenets of the Paleo lifestyle.

Resolution #6: Cultivate Daily Stillness

The past year has been full of activity—travel, social events, and fitness achievements. But one area I’d like to develop further is stillness. Whether it’s through daily journaling, time in nature, or a quiet walk without distractions, I want to find moments every day where I can pause, breathe, and centre myself. Stillness is a deeply ancestral practice, and a vital counterbalance to modern busyness.

Resolution #7: Learn a New Traditional Skill

Modern life makes it easy to rely on convenience—but as part of my Paleo journey, I want to reconnect with traditional skills. This could mean learning to ferment vegetables, make my own jerky, or even try traditional forms of movement like crawling or climbing. Not only are these practices practical, but they also build self-sufficiency and a greater appreciation for ancestral knowledge.

Resolution #8: Engage with the Paleo Community More

One of the best things about going Paleo has been the incredible community. Whether online or in person, I’d love to be more active in supporting and sharing with fellow Paleo enthusiasts. That might mean attending more local meetups, commenting more on blogs and podcasts I enjoy, or even hosting a Paleo potluck dinner. This lifestyle is easier, more fun, and more sustainable when shared.

Staying Accountable and Inspired

To stay on track with all of these goals, I’m going to start keeping a simple log. It doesn’t need to be fancy—just a few notes each evening about what I did well, where I could improve, and what I learned. Tracking progress is a great way to stay focused and spot patterns—especially when juggling multiple resolutions.

Celebrating More than Just a Birthday

This birthday feels less like a milestone and more like a springboard. I’m grateful for the health, energy, and clarity I’ve gained, and I’m excited for what the next twelve months might bring. From sunrises to slow living, and chin-ups to coconut oil, I’m committed to living intentionally and continuing to evolve on my Paleo path.

I’d love to hear from you—what new habits or challenges are you taking on this year? Are you inspired to revisit your own resolutions?

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