Does light therapy actually work for depression?

Results. Light therapy probably won’t cure seasonal affective disorder, nonseasonal depression or other conditions. But it may ease symptoms, increase your energy levels, and help you feel better about yourself and life.

What kind of light therapy is good for depression?

Research indicates that blue light is superior to other lights in the spectrum for treating depression. Studies show that blue light can be used at a specific wavelength and frequency at less intensity than full spectrum bright light to achieve the same kind of effects.

Can you use light therapy with antidepressants?

“Patients can easily use light therapy along with other treatments such as antidepressants and psychotherapy.”

How long does it take for light therapy to work for depression?

Many people respond to light therapy within 3 to 5 days. If you don’t respond to treatment within the first week, you may notice improvement in the second week. The most common side effects of light therapy include headache, eye strain, and nausea.

What are the side effects of light therapy?

The most common side effects of light therapy include:

• Eyestrain or visual disturbances.
• Headaches.
• Agitation or feeling “wired.”
• Nausea.
• Sweating.

In what conditions is light therapy effective?

Light therapy may be used to treat major depressive disorder with seasonal patterns, sleep disorders, and other types of depression. It’s often effective, possibly due to the effects on your circadian rhythm and levels of serotonin in the brain.

Can you overdo LED light therapy?

What Are the Risks? Red light therapy is generally considered safe, even though researchers aren’t exactly sure how and why it works. And there are no set rules on how much light to use. Too much light may damage skin tissue, but too little might not work as well.

Will vitamin D help with depression?

2. Vitamin D reduces depression. Research has shown that vitamin D might play an important role in regulating mood and warding off depression. In one study , scientists found that people with depression who received vitamin D supplements noticed an improvement in their symptoms.

Can you use light therapy too much?

It is possible to get too much light, which can produce discomfort including feeling “wired,” such as after consuming too much caffeine. Working with an experienced clinician, and starting with general guidelines, many SAD patients arrive at a “dose” that works well for them.

Is light therapy bad?

Potential Risks. There are no known significant health risks from artificial light therapy. Mild side effects can include eyestrain, headache, nausea, and irritability that usually go away in a few days. However, people with bipolar disorder may be at risk for manic symptoms.

What are the two main types of light therapy?

These three types of light therapy are common: Red & Near-Infrared (NIR) Light: Light in red and near-infrared wavelengths targets the mitochondria of the cells to boost cellular energy production, promoting a variety of healing effects throughout the body.

What is a light box for depression?

A light therapy box mimics outdoor light. Researchers believe this type of light causes a chemical change in the brain that lifts your mood and eases other symptoms of SAD. Generally, the light box should: Provide an exposure to 10,000 lux of light.

How effective is bright light treatment for depression?

This analysis of randomized, controlled trials suggests that bright light treatment and dawn simulation for seasonal affective disorder and bright light for nonseasonal depression are efficacious, with effect sizes equivalent to those in most antidepressant pharmacotherapy trials.

Is light therapy effective in the treatment of mood disorders?

The efficacy of light therapy in the treatment of mood disorders: a review and meta-analysis of the evidence Many reports of the efficacy of light therapy are not based on rigorous study designs.

What is lightlight therapy and how does it work?

Light therapy is a way to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and certain other conditions by exposure to artificial light.

How is light therapy used to treat seasonal affective disorder?

1 Starting light therapy. Generally, most people with seasonal affective disorder begin treatment with light therapy in the early fall, when it typically becomes cloudy in many regions of the country. 2 During light therapy. During light therapy sessions, you sit or work near a light box. 3 Three key elements for effectiveness.