Light Therapy for Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a serious type of depression that occurs during the winter when there are fewer daylight hours. Shortage of sunlight seems to play a large role in the development of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Light therapy for individuals suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder can have a number of benefits.

What is Light Therapy?

• Light therapy involves exposing a patient to artificial daylight for at least 20 minutes per day. Artificial light can be obtained via special light bulbs or machines.

Light Therapy as an Antidepressant

• The National Institute of Mental Health has stated that light therapy acts as a non-chemical antidepressant in patients suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Reset Circadian Rhythms

• When daylight hours decrease, an individuals sleep-wake cycle, known as circadian rhythms, can be disrupted. This can contribute to the depression felt by individuals suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder. Light therapy can trick the body into thinking it is still light outside, keeping circadian rhythms stable.

Decrease Melatonin Levels

• When daylight hours decrease, melatonin levels in the brain increase, leading to depression. Light therapy can help prevent this surge in melatonin levels and reduce depression.

Prevents Use of Medication

• While antidepressants may help some individuals with Seasonal Affective Disorder, not all patients are able to take these types of medications safely. Light therapy is an option for pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and other individuals for whom taking antidepressants might be harmful.