Depression light therapy

Thousands of depressed women are looking for safe and fast treatment. What can ease you depression symptoms? What is the cheapest solution for different types of depression? What can fully treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)? The answer was discovered by medical researchers who discovered the magic positive effect of light therapy during depression in women.

Light therapy (so called “phototherapy”) is a kind of treatment when client is exposed to the artificial light source for certain amount of time. Light therapy involves using natural or artificial light to help with depression symptoms. Light therapy is the best solution for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which usually appears during late autumn and winter. But scientists discovered that light therapy could be also effective for other types of depression and/or for several symptoms of depression such as sleep disturbances, irritability, food cravings, etc.

Depression light therapy – how does it work

Originally light therapy was invented for compensation of the lack of natural sunlight as deficit of light could trigger several health conditions including depression. In most cases light therapy is recommended during Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Several medical professionals recommend using light therapy as the first step in complicated treatment of few types of depression. During winter light therapy could be effective support for millions of women suffering from depression.

It was discovered that brain hormones are regulating attitudinal changes at certain times of year – during seasons of reduced or limited sunlight (autumn, winter) the brain is decreasing the production of serotonin (“mood hormone” – neurotransmitter with soothing and calming effect). Reduced concentration of serotonin is triggering depression symptoms such as fatigue, carbohydrate craving and weight gain. Light therapy, used during depression, alter body’s circadian rhythms (“internal body clock”) insuring normal daily biological processes. At the same time, light therapy is suppressing body’s natural release of melatonin which regulates the sleep-wake daily cycle. As a result, the strengthened circadian rhythm and reduced melatonin reduce depression symptoms (especially during Seasonal Affective Disorder).

Light therapy usually recommended for late autumn and winter – 10-15 minutes every day. Duration of light therapy depends on the strength of the light box and client sensitivity. Sometimes light therapy daily sessions could last 20-50 minutes – as light intensity and duration interact, longer sessions could be needed at lower intensities. At 10,000 lux – the current standard – 30-minute sessions are most typical. During depression sessions of light therapy should be continued up to early spring.

Depression light therapy benefits

Light therapy during depression is very useful (effective), safe with very limited side effects, noninvasive, rather cheap and easy to use.

Depression light therapy side effects

Side effects of light therapy are uncommon. Women with increased skin sensitivity, eye conditions and history of skin cancer should not use light therapy during depression. During few types of medications (certain antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs) also light therapy is not recommended.

If you use light therapy during depression, you could have some side effects including headache, insomnia, fatigue, sunburn, hypomania (extended period of heightened mood), dry eyes and nose.