It started with a simple question during a long, grey winter: "When was the last time I actually saw the sun?"
Like many of us, I found myself spending 90% of my time indoors—moving from a house to a car, to an office, and back again. My sleep was suffering, my energy was low, and I felt a vague sense of disconnection. I wasn't just missing the outdoors; I was missing a fundamental biological need: light.
The Science of Light
I started reading about circadian rhythms and the impact of sunlight on human health. The science was clear and compelling: our bodies are evolved to be in sync with the sun. Morning sunlight triggers cortisol release to wake us up, while darkness triggers melatonin for sleep.
But in our modern lives, we've flipped the script. We get too little light during the day and too much artificial light at night. We are chronically "light-starved."
"We wanted to build a tool that didn't just track data, but actually encouraged you to step outside and look up."
Designing SunshinePal
I looked for apps to help me track my sunlight exposure. Most were overly complex weather apps or complicated health trackers that required manual logging. I didn't want to manually enter "15 minutes outside." I wanted something that just knew.
That's when I discovered that the Apple Watch (Series 6 and later) has an ambient light sensor that automatically tracks "Time in Daylight." The data was there, sitting in Apple Health, but it was buried deep in menus.
SunshinePal was born to bring that data to the surface.
Simplicity as a Feature
We designed SunshinePal with three core principles:
1. Passive Tracking
You shouldn't have to tell the app you're outside. It should just know. By leveraging HealthKit, SunshinePal works in the background, respecting your time and attention.
2. Privacy First
Your health data is yours. SunshinePal processes everything locally on your device. We don't see your data, and we don't sell it.
3. Gentle Encouragement
We didn't want another app that yelled at you. SunshinePal is a companion. It gently reminds you to get your daily dose of light, celebrating small wins like a morning walk or a lunch break outside.
More Than Just Data
As we built and tested the app, we realized something profound. It wasn't just about hitting a number, like "30 minutes." It was about the habit of reconnection.
Users told us that the app gave them "permission" to take a break. To step away from the screen, walk outside, and just breathe. That 10-minute sunlight break became a ritual for mental clarity.
One user shared: "I used to drink coffee to wake up. Now I step outside for 10 minutes. It works better, and I feel happier."
A Companion for Your Health
SunshinePal is more than a utility; it's a reminder that we are biological creatures living in a digital world. It helps us reclaim a small but vital part of our humanity—our connection to the sun.
Whether you're trying to fix your sleep schedule, boost your mood, or just find a reason to leave your desk, SunshinePal is there to help you find the light.
Ready to find your light? Learn more about SunshinePal or download it from the App Store.