48-Year-Old Suffers Fracture in Sleep from No Sunlight

A 48-year-old woman from Chengdu, China, broke a bone just by turning over in bed. She wasn’t in an accident or doing anything strenuous she was simply moving in her sleep. Doctors later discovered that the real cause was years of avoiding sunlight, which led to a severe vitamin D deficiency and dangerously weak bones.

Why Sunlight Matters for Your Health

Vitamin D, often called the “sunshine vitamin,” is essential for healthy bones. Our bodies produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, and this vitamin helps absorb calcium the key mineral that keeps bones strong. Without enough vitamin D, bones become thin, brittle, and more likely to break, even during simple everyday activities.

A Lifetime of Extreme Sun Protection

According to Dr. Long Shuang, the attending emergency doctor at XinDu Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the woman had avoided sunlight almost completely since childhood. She always wore long sleeves outdoors and took great care not to tan, aiming to maintain fair skin. However, this lifelong habit gradually harmed her bone health without her realizing it.

The Bigger Picture: A Growing Trend

Health professionals in China are seeing more cases like this, especially among women who take extreme measures to protect their skin from the sun. It’s now common to see people fully covered in gloves, face masks, and UV-proof clothing, even on short walks. While protecting skin from sun damage is important, completely avoiding sunlight can seriously affect long-term health.

Expert Advice for Healthy Bones

Dr. Jiang Xiaobing, a spine surgeon at Guangzhou Medical University, warns that starting around age 30, our bodies begin to lose bone mass naturally about 0.5% to 1% each year. This bone loss speeds up without enough vitamin D and calcium.

He recommends:

Getting regular, safe sun exposure about 10–30 minutes several times a week is enough for most people.
Eat calcium-rich foods like dairy products, leafy greens, almonds, and tofu.
Stay active with weight-bearing exercises such as walking, dancing, or yoga.
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol to no more than two cans of beer (5% alcohol) per day is advised.
Pay special attention after menopause, when bone loss increases significantly.

Conclusion

This woman’s story is a reminder that while protecting your skin is important, your bones need sunlight too. A balanced approach to sun safety not complete sun avoidance helps maintain both skin and bone health. If you’re rarely in the sun or have concerns about vitamin D, speak with your doctor about testing and supplements.

Source: Inputs from various media Sources

I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.