The question is not as far-fetched as one might think, because scientists have, for the first time, quantified the “wow” factor of observing these natural phenomena and found it has a positive impact on mental health.

During the “ephemeral phenomena” of a sunrise or sunset, the term used by researchers at the University of Exeter, feelings of awe go up a notch, regardless of whether it is observed in a natural or urban environment.

The impact of these fleeting moments on mental health had never previously been measured. In previous studies, the effects of observing nature were essentially evaluated in the context of calm, blue skies.

In this new study, published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, 2,500 participants were shown images of urban and natural environments. When these images included sunrises and sunsets, the study subjects judged them as “considerably more beautiful” than when seen at other times of day in sunny conditions.

To experience this inspiring “wow” effect, the participants were even willing to pay a premium of nearly 10% more to visit a site at a time when they could observe a landscape when the sun rises.

Sunrises and sunsets by prescription?

Furthermore, “unexpectedly, sunrise and sunset could also trigger significant boosts in people’s feelings of awe”, the study notes. In other words, such moments are good for you: this awe has the ability to improve your mood and emotions, which helps overall wellbeing.

The therapeutic role of nature has previously been highlighted: for instance, in Canada, doctors can prescribe “forest baths” to patients suffering from anxiety, in the form of free entrance to national parks.

Now, it could be all about motivating patients to get up earlier to watch the sunrise and thereby boost their morale. “Our research indicates that getting up a bit earlier for sunrise or timing a walk to catch sunset could be well worth the effort,” the researchers said.