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Effect of Light on Adrenal Glands

The adrenal glands regulate the body's metabolism and response to stress. Researchers have found that light has a significant effect on these glands. Using bright light can be useful in correcting several disorders.

  1. Sleep Disorders

    • Light treatments have been shown to aid in correcting sleep disorders caused by shift work, changes in routine or time zone, or other causes of insomnia. Bright light has been used to reset the circadian clock, the body's internal clock that regulates biological processes during an average 24-hour cycle.

    Depression

    • Phototherapy uses bright light to treat depression, especially seasonal affective disorder. Bright light decreases melatonin, a hormone that when overproduced contributes to depression. There is even speculation that bright light also helps with major depression and bipolar disorder.

    Stress-Related Diseases

    • Stress is the root of many major causes of disease. Too much stress compromises the immune system and can bring about disturbances in the many bodily systems regulated by adrenal glands and the brain such as hypertension, cancer and diabetes. Glucocorticoids are produced by the adrenal cortex, and they are essential to maintain a healthy immune system.

    Arthritis and Inflammation

    • The effects of light activate corticosteroids in the adrenal glands, These act as anti-inflammatories and help to alleviate the pain and inflammation of arthritis and various back and joint problems.

    Blood Sugar Problems

    • The stimulation of glucocorticoids by light prompts the adrenal glands to regulate blood glucose levels. This helps to stabilize blood sugar metabolism for diabetics and hypoglycemic people.

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