Light therapy lamps have been found to be an effective treatment for seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
SAD Overview
Seasonal affective disorderis a throw in of recurring major depression with a seasonal pattern.
Experts believe that SAD may be brought on by lower vitamin D levels and a subsequent decrease in serotonin.
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Light therapyis also referred to as bright light therapy (BLT) or phototherapy.
Light therapy boxes typically provide 10,000 lux (a measure of light intensity).
Light therapy lamps dont require a prescription, but you should always consult a healthcare provider before using one.
A standard treatment is 10,000 lux for 30 minutes.
Alternative treatment is 2,500 lux for one to two hours.
You should start to see an improvement in symptoms within the first week of therapy.
While encouraging, this study had limitations, such as a small sample size of 15 participants.
There tend to be less severe negative effects seen with light therapy than with antidepressants.
Always speak to your healthcare provider if you notice any unusual signs or symptoms after starting treatment.
Also, some people should avoid light therapy.
Harvard Health.Seasonal affective disorder.
National Institutes of Mental Health.Seasonal Affective Disorder
Harvard Health Publishing.Seasonal affective disorder: bring on the light.
Pail G, Huf W, Pjrek E, et al.Bright-light therapy in the treatment of mood disorders.Neuropsychobiology.
2017;32:E13-E25.
2015;2015:e178564.
doi:10.1155/2015/178564
Cleveland Clinic.Will a SAD sun lamp actually make you happy?
