Health Benefits of a Tropical Vacation

David (Dave) Leonti, a Kirkland real estate broker with Keller Williams Realty, likes to spend time around the water. Dave Leonti especially enjoys traveling to tropical places, tasting the fresh air, and running along the beach.

Traveling to a tropical region can pay off with more than just peace of mind. These trips can often pay off with real, measurable health benefits.

The reduction of stress levels that comes with an island trip can help travelers lead longer, healthier lives. Stress reduction reduces the risk of many diseases, thanks to decreases in blood pressure and cholesterol, and can even diminish the chances of a heart attack.

The sun exposure that comes from a tropical vacation can kick-start the immune system. Sun exposure encourages the production of vitamin D, which defends against infection.

Those having trouble sleeping might also benefit from a vacation. Exposure to sunshine improves serotonin levels, which in turn encourages melatonin production. Melatonin encourages a more natural circadian rhythm, which allows for deeper sleep and further improvements to heart health.