Why looking at the Night Sky is Healthy for you
By: Kaitlyn Kausler
When was the last time you paused, looked up, and let the night sky wash over you? At Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, we are gifted with some of the darkest skies in the Midwest. This is the perfect invitation to slow down and reconnect not just with nature, but with yourself.
As it turns out, spending time under the stars is more than just beautiful; it’s beneficial for your health.
First off, looking at the stars draws your attention away from daily distractions and invites a sense of calm. As your breathing slows and your focus shifts upward, your nervous system responds. Studies show that this kind of mindful stargazing helps lower cortisol levels and quiet the mind.
Standing beneath a vast sky full of stars reminds us of how small we are; it changes our perspective and view of what is around us. That’s a good thing. Changing your point of view has been shown to improve mood, increase life satisfaction, and even boost generosity, really helping us to see what is important in life. At the Dunes, that feeling of wonder is magnified by the natural stillness and sweeping views that make every stargazing moment feel sacred.
Artificial lights, especially from screens, can throw off our circadian rhythms. By contrast, spending time outdoors in darkness helps regulate melatonin production, making it easier to fall asleep naturally. A peaceful evening walk or a night hike under the moon might just be the best relaxation technique out there.
Night sky viewing often goes together with outdoor activity. Whether you're hiking up a dune under the Milky Way or just stepping out to listen to the sounds of the lakeshore, you're benefiting from fresh air, gentle movement, and a deepened connection with nature.
Take a break from the buzz. Step into the dark. Let the stars remind you of what really matters.
By choosing to cherish and preserve this special place, you help ensure future generations can look up and feel the same peace and calm. We’ll see you out there, beneath the same sky.
Your Dollars At Work! Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes supports programs that help students experience the night sky during the school year. During the 2024–2025 school year, the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes collaborated with the park's education team to engage 5,500 students through various programs, including field trips and virtual sessions. A highlight was the "Sharing Star Stories" initiative, an immersive planetarium experience funded by the National Park Foundation's Open Outdoors for Kids grant, which introduced over 2,000 students to Anishinaabe sky stories and Indigenous-centered education. Additionally, the Winter Experience program allowed 649 students to explore the dunes on snowshoes, while nearly 3,000 participated in ranger-led programs focused on Great Lakes ecology. Looking ahead, a new dome film, "Sleeping Bear from Below," is set to debut, continuing the park's commitment to providing meaningful, place-based learning opportunities.