Are you struggling with consistent Seasonal Affective Disorder and winter blues? Are you experiencing a dim mood and sadness? Light therapy can be the brightest solution under this scenario. You might be wondering, Does light therapy work for SAD? You are not alone. This blog will answer how it works to alleviate the symptoms of SAD. Stay here and keep scrolling!
Light Therapy and SAD
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) refers to a kind of depression that normally happens at a specific time of the year, usually in winter and fall when day hours become shorter. It is characterized by symptoms such as low mood, decreased interest, fatigue, hypersomnia, and others.
Light Therapy is the commonly prescribed treatment for SAD. Here, the patient is directed to sit near a special bright light box that copies the natural sunlight. The same activity is carried out for 20-30 minutes each morning during the dimmer seasons.
Does light therapy work for SAD?
Yes, light therapy helps minimize SAD by balancing and influencing the body rhythms as well as brain chemicals affected by low sunlight. Phototherapy, or Light therapy, aims to compensate for the minimal absorption of sunlight.
Here is how this SAD Treatment alleviates the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):
Boosting Serotonin Function
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter linked with mood regulation. Low sunlight minimizes the functioning of serotonin to regulate moods. Under light therapy, the mood is stabilized by increasing and supporting serotonin activity.
Resetting the Circadian Rhythm
As the days become shorter during winter and we get less exposure to gentle sunlight. These shorter days can disturb the body’s natural internal clock and rhythm. This affects your mood, energy, and anxiety. Phototherapy aids in restoring this body rhythm.
Minimizes melatonin production
Melatonin is a sleeping hormone. During the winter months, this hormone is produced in greater quantity, which leads to low energy and fatigue. Light therapy reduces the production of melatonin and avoids the extra sleeping. Hence relieves sadness and puts away hypersomnia.
Book Us To Turn Your Mood Happy
Get ready to feel like a confident and joyful man again? Enfield Royal Clinic provides state-of-the-art Light Therapy to restore your peace. Our experts are also here to further guide you about: Does light therapy work for SAD? Reach us as soon as possible to book an appointment with us now!
FAQs!
Can hypersomnia cause SAD?
Yes, excessive sleeping can trigger effects like anxiety, grief, boredom, and laziness etc.
Is light therapy an exact alternative to sunlight?
Although it doesn’t completely replace sunlight, but mimics the exact effects of sunlight to regulate mood effects.
Can I combine light therapy with other mood-regulating treatments?
Absolutely, many patients combine this approach with other therapies to get the optimum outcomes.
What is the most suitable time for light therapy?
Doctors suggest it in the morning to reset the body effectively.
