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SAD Light Treatment

SAD is an acronym for Seasonal Affective Disorder. It is usually caused by a lack of sunlight. Symptoms may include weight gain, difficulty sleeping, a change in sex drive and fatigue. Roughly 5 percent of adults experience SAD, according to the website MedicineNet.

  1. Light Therapy

    • In light therapy, specially designed lights create the effects of sunlight.

      SAD can be treated with light therapy, which exposes your body to the light it lacks due to the change in seasons. Light therapy, or phototherapy, involves sitting in front a light box or wearing a light visor, usually for about 30 minutes a day. A dawn simulator is a device that is activated by a timer, flooding your room with increasing brightness that mimics a natural sunrise.

    Side Effects of Light Therapy

    • There are few side effects associated with light therapy. You may experience headaches, eyestrain, fatigue and difficulty sleeping.

    Easing SAD Symptoms

    • Outdoor exercise can ease the symptoms of SAD.

      Make time for outside activities. Exercise helps reduce stress and depression and even small amounts of sunlight can help. Arrange your living and work areas so you spend more time near a window. Take a tropical vacation so you can spend your days basking in the sun.

    Other Considerations

    • Talk to your doctor about your symptoms.

      Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder. He may order medications or counseling to be used along with light therapy.

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