Nature can be a form of therapy — even when you spend time with it in the dark. “Dark nature” activities like stargazing and moonlit hikes can spark feelings of connectedness and awe, which may offer mental health benefits.

Getty Images/Yinwei Liu

You might often hear about the benefits of spending a little time under the sun, as our bodies make some vitamin D this way.

But what about spending some time outside in the dark? Research shows that this might also be beneficial.

What the research says

Try to recall a time when you went outside at night and glanced up at the sky. What did you feel in that moment? Connectedness? Awe?

Recent studies may help explain the benefits of these emotions on mental wellness.

Connectedness

A 2024 study developed a Night Sky Connected Index (NSCI) to measure people’s connection to the night sky.

The researchers interviewed participants to develop the NSCI, and to test it, they selected 406 people from the general population.

One of the many findings of this study was that a higher NSCI score is associated with greater scores of mental well-being and happiness.

Particularly, nature connectedness, or the relationship you hold with the natural world, may help predict well-being, as another study also suggests.

Awe

Nature is often a source of awe, which is a feeling you might be familiar with when looking up at a sky full of stars. According to a 2022 research review, experiencing this emotion can help improve:

• emotional, social, and psychological well-being
• levels of anxiety, stress, depression, and PTSD
• physical health
• symptoms of autoimmune disorders
• heart health
• life span

A study from 2018 also suggests that college-age students who had nature experiences demonstrated more awe, which was associated with improved well-being.

Dark nature activities

Dark nature activities can be a form of ecotherapy, which focuses on the healing power of nature.

Beyond stargazing, other opportunities to spend time with nature in the dark include nighttime walks or moonlit hikes and having a bonfire or campfire.

Safety first

If you plan to do any activities in the dark, make sure you follow safety guidelines.

For example, if you plan to take a nighttime stroll, wear reflective clothing so others can see you and bring a flashlight.

If you want to start a campfire, make sure you’re familiar with any city or park regulations.

The takeaway

Just as spending time in the sun and nature can have health benefits, hanging out in the dark while still connecting with nature can, too.

Dark nature activities, such as stargazing, moonlit hikes, or nighttime walks, can have the effects of ecotherapy. This may include improved mental well-being.

So, while an after-dinner walk might be beneficial, you might also want to consider going on after-dark walks.