The Health Benefits of Tanning Beds: Better Sleep, Heart Support & Longevity

Do you feel tired halfway through the day, sleep poorly at night, or notice your mood drop during the colder months? You might not need more supplements or less screen time. The solution might be simpler than you think — more light.

Most people think tanning beds are only for looks. But research shows that controlled UV light may help lower blood pressure, improve sleep, boost mood, and even support long-term health.

When used safely, tanning beds can give your body the light it’s missing. It’s not just about getting a tan — it’s about supporting things like vitamin D, blood flow, and your sleep routine.

Understanding UV Light and Its Role in Human Health

We’ve talked about the importance of UV light for your health, but what exactly is it?

UV light comes from the sun and is made up of three types of UV rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC rays are filtered out by the atmosphere, so they never reach the ground (and that’s a good thing — they’re dangerous). That leaves only UVA and UVB to reach the Earth’s surface — and your skin.

These rays are responsible for many of the benefits we’ve already mentioned: better sleep, mood support, blood pressure regulation, and vitamin D production. But what are these rays, and what happens when the body doesn’t get enough natural UV exposure?

What Are UVA and UVB Rays?

• UVA rays: Penetrate the deeper layers of the skin. They help the body release nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels and supports heart function.
• UVB rays: Stay closer to the skin’s surface. They stimulate vitamin D production, which supports immunity, bone strength, and mood regulation.
  
  

Together, these rays help maintain several key systems in the body. Without them, things start to shift.

What Happens When You Don’t Get Enough Sunlight?

Low sunlight exposure doesn’t just mean missing out on vitamin D. It can affect multiple body systems and increase the risk of chronic health issues.

Here’s what low sunlight can lead to:

• Reduced vitamin D production, leading to weakened bones and immune response
• Disruption of circadian rhythm, resulting in poor sleep and daytime fatigue
• Higher rates of depression, anxiety, and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
• Increased risk of cardiovascular issues, including high blood pressure
• Compromised metabolic function, with possible links to insulin resistance and obesity

5 Health Benefits of Tanning Beds

Ultrasun Q16 with Hybrid Lamps

Tanning beds do more than warm the skin — they can activate key processes that support cardiovascular, neurological, and metabolic health. Below, we break down five distinct benefits of controlled UVA and UVB exposure, focusing on the biological mechanisms and clinical research behind them.

1. Supports Heart Health by Lowering Blood Pressure

High blood pressure affects over 1.28 billion adults worldwide, yet many are unaware they even have it. It's a silent risk factor that can quietly damage blood vessels and strain the heart over time.

But here’s where it gets interesting: exposure to UVA light has been shown to activate nitric oxide, a natural compound stored in the skin that helps relax blood vessels and improve circulation. This process can reduce blood pressure without the need for vitamin D synthesis.

A study from Liu et al. (2014) found that participants who received controlled UVA exposure experienced significant drops in blood pressure. These findings were echoed in population-level data from the UK Biobank, where higher UV exposure correlated with lower cardiovascular mortality.

These findings suggest that moderate UV exposure may support cardiovascular health, especially for people with limited access to sunlight due to geography, indoor lifestyles, or seasonal changes.

2. Improves Sleep Quality

Disrupted sleep is one of the most overlooked consequences of modern life. With so much time spent indoors, especially under artificial lighting, the body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm, can fall out of sync. When this happens, you may struggle to fall asleep, wake up feeling unrefreshed, or experience daytime fatigue. That’s where UV exposure comes in.

UV exposure may help restore this rhythm. UVB light plays a role in melatonin regulation, the hormone responsible for signaling sleep readiness at night. Without proper light input during the day, melatonin production can be delayed or suppressed, contributing to sleep problems.

Research shows that regular sunlight exposure improves sleep quality, duration, and timing by helping the body anchor its natural rhythm. In winter or low-sunlight environments, controlled UV exposure — delivered through professional tanning beds — can help mimic this light cue safely and effectively. Sleep isn’t the only process affected by light. UV exposure also influences how you feel, especially during darker months.

3. Improves Your Mood 

Many people experience a noticeable dip in energy, motivation, and emotional stability during the darker months of the year. This isn’t just “winter blues” — it may be a physiological response to a lack of sunlight. Known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), this condition affects millions and has been directly linked to low light exposure.

When your skin gets sunlight or uses a tanning bed, it takes in UVA and UVB rays. These rays can help your body release chemicals like serotonin and beta-endorphins. Serotonin helps you feel happy and calm, while beta-endorphins can make you feel good and less stressed. People who do not get much sunlight, especially those living in places with long winters, might have lower levels of these “feel-good” chemicals.

Studies have shown that UV exposure can stimulate these mood-regulating pathways. Research suggests that the skin’s response to UV light is neurologically active, which may help support mental well-being, not just physical processes. Let’s not forget the most well-known benefit of sunlight: helping your body produce vitamin D.

4. Boosts Vitamin D and Strengthens the Immune System

Vitamin D is often called the “sunshine vitamin,” and for good reason. When UVB rays reach the skin, the body uses them to make vitamin D. This nutrient helps build strong bones, supports the immune system, and reduces inflammation.

Tanning beds that emit UVB light can help the body make vitamin D in a controlled setting. According to vitamin D researcher Dr. Michael Holick, just 5–15 minutes of UVB exposure may produce thousands of IUs of vitamin D, depending on skin type and intensity.

5. May Support Longevity and Lower Risk of Disease

Avoiding sunlight altogether may carry serious health risks. A major Swedish study that followed more than 29,000 women over 20 years found that those who avoided sun exposure had a higher risk of death, similar to the risk associated with smoking. The study linked regular UV exposure to lower rates of heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses.

These long-term benefits are thought to come from a combination of effects triggered by UV exposure: lower blood pressure, better metabolic function, and improved vitamin D levels — all of which are linked to disease prevention and longer lifespan.

Tanning beds that emit calibrated UVA and UVB light can mimic the benefits of sunlight in a controlled environment. This may offer a safe and structured way to support long-term health for people living in northern regions or anyone with limited outdoor access.

Key Health Benefits of Tanning Beds

Note: While scientific studies support these benefits, it's essential to approach UV exposure responsibly. Overexposure can lead to adverse effects, including skin damage. Always consult a healthcare professional to determine appropriate UV exposure levels based on individual health needs.

Who Should Use Tanning Beds and Why

Not everyone gets the same amount of sunlight, and for some people, this can impact their health. Controlled UV exposure from tanning beds may help fill that gap, especially for groups who are more likely to miss out on natural sunlight.

Here are some of the people most likely to benefit from safe, clinical use of tanning beds:

1. People Who Live in Northern Regions

In places with long winters or limited daylight hours. This may lead to lower vitamin D levels, poor sleep, and low mood. Tanning beds can safely copy the effects of sunlight, especially in winter.

2. People Who Work Indoors

Spending most of the day inside — whether in an office or school — can limit your exposure to sunlight. This can affect sleep, mood, and your body’s natural rhythm. If you are over 18 and healthy, controlled UV sessions may help restore that balance.

3. Older Adults

As we age, our skin becomes less efficient at making vitamin D, even when we’re in the sun. Older adults are also more likely to have low bone density, immune issues, or poor sleep.

4. People With Darker Skin Tones

Melanin — the pigment in darker skin — naturally blocks more UVB light. That means people with darker skin need more sun exposure to make the same amount of vitamin D. 

5. People With Low Vitamin D Levels

Anyone who has been diagnosed with a vitamin D deficiency — or who struggles to absorb supplements — may benefit from UVB light. Research shows UVB exposure can help restore vitamin D levels naturally and effectively.

Who Benefits Most from Tanning Beds

What to Know About Tanning Bed Safety 

Tanning beds can offer some benefits, but using them the wrong way can cause real harm. The real danger lies not in UV light itself, but in how it's used.

When tanning beds are misused — through overexposure, poor equipment, or no guidance — they can increase the risk of:

• Skin Cancer: UVA and UVB rays from tanning beds can raise your risk of skin cancer, including melanoma. 
• Premature Skin Aging: Too much UV exposure can age your skin faster. 
• Burns and Eye Damage: Not wearing proper eye protection can lead to eye injuries or even vision problems.
• Weaker Immune System: Too much UV can weaken your body’s natural defenses

These problems are more likely to happen with old, at-home tanning beds or when people ignore tanning guidelines. Tanning beds should never be used by anyone under 18 or by people with certain health conditions.

Why Professional Oversight Matters

When you tan at a professional salon, trained staff help keep you safe:

• They check your skin type and health history before you tan.
• They use beds with timers and sensors to prevent overexposure.
• They make sure you use eye protection and follow all safety rules.
• Equipment is cleaned and checked often.

With expert guidance and modern equipment, tanning beds can be used in a more controlled and safer way for healthy adults. Always follow the rules, never tan more than recommended, and talk to a doctor if you have health concerns.

Debunking Common Myths About Tanning Beds

Tanning beds are often misunderstood. Many people hear “UV” and think of sunburns or outdated beauty trends. But many concerns are based on outdated information or misuse, not on how professional tanning beds are used today.. Let’s take a closer look at some common myths.

Myth #1: All Tanning Beds Are Unsafe

Reality: Safety depends on how the bed is used — and how long you use it.

Based on their lamps and design, professional tanning beds have a fixed UV output. You can't lower the UV intensity, but can control how long a session lasts. That’s why every certified tanning bed comes with a maximum exposure time, set to avoid burns or overexposure.

Session times are matched to skin type using tools like the Fitzpatrick scale. This allows for safe, consistent use across different skin tones.

Myth 2: Vitamin D Supplements Are Enough

Reality: Supplements can help, but they don’t replace the full effect of UV exposure.

Only UVB light helps your skin make vitamin D. Sunlight or tanning beds with UVB can also help your body release other helpful things, like nitric oxide and serotonin, which supplements do not.

Myth 3: Only Natural Sunlight Works

Reality: Controlled tanning beds can safely mimic sunlight’s health effects.

Professional tanning beds use special lights: UVA helps your body make nitric oxide (improves blood flow), and UVB helps your skin make vitamin D. These beds are helpful in places or seasons where you don’t get much sunlight.

Bottom line? Tanning beds aren't unsafe by default. With professional equipment, timing, and knowledge, they can offer a predictable, measured way to get the benefits of sunlight, especially when nature can’t.

Tanning Beds Are More Than Just Skin Deep

We often think of light as something we see, but not something we need. But when used correctly, UV light is more than a cosmetic option. It’s a biological signal that supports blood flow, boosts mood, restores sleep cycles, and helps the body make essential vitamin D.

Controlled UV exposure may be a missing piece of the health puzzle for people who live in colder climates, spend long hours indoors, or are struggling with low energy.

Tanning beds that offer calibrated UVA and UVB light can safely deliver these effects in a structured, measurable way, not as a beauty add-on, but as a tool for daily wellness.

Science doesn’t just support the risks of avoiding light. It also shows the potential of using it — carefully, intentionally, and professionally.

Key Takeaways: What to Know About the Health Benefits of Tanning Beds

• UV light is not just cosmetic — it’s biological. UVA and UVB exposure can support sleep, blood pressure, mood, and immune health.
• Tanning beds offer controlled UV exposure, especially useful in low-light regions or for people who spend most of their time indoors.
• Modern professional tanning beds are timed, calibrated, and safer than older models or home devices.
• Scientific studies link UV exposure to improved cardiovascular function, vitamin D synthesis, and even lower mortality in sun-exposed populations.
• Responsible use matters. Risks increase with overexposure or poor equipment, but clinical settings offer structure and safety.

FAQs About Tanning Beds and Health

What does 10 minutes in a tanning bed equal?

It can provide UV exposure similar to 10–15 minutes of midday sun, depending on your skin type and the strength of the tanning bed.

Do tanning beds help with vitamin D levels?

Yes. Tanning beds that use UVB light can help your skin produce vitamin D naturally, especially in the winter or for people with low sun exposure.

Who shouldn’t use tanning beds?

People with a history of skin cancer, certain skin conditions, or photosensitivity should talk to a doctor before using a tanning bed.

Are tanning beds safe in professional clinics?

Yes. In a professional setting, tanning beds are certified, timed, and used with skin type guidelines to reduce the risk of overexposure.

Do tanning beds have any health benefits?

When used responsibly, tanning beds may support heart health, sleep, mood, and vitamin D production through controlled UV exposure.

Are tanning beds good for the immune system?

Tanning beds that emit UVB light can help raise vitamin D levels, which may support immune function, especially in the colder months.