During winter months, people may feel unmotivated, depressed, and dreary. One explanation for this is because there is less sunlight available which can affect a person’s mood. Sunlight can alter the amount of chemicals in the brain such as serotonin and melatonin. These chemicals, scientifically termed neurotransmitters, play a role in mood, emotion, and sleep. However, they differ in that serotonin is activated by light and promotes positive feelings, while melatonin is activated by darkness and aids in sleep. Since sunlight boosts mood, lack of sunlight can cause negative emotions. This is because less serotonin is being released in the brain, so mood is not boosted to a more positive state.
What is Sunlight Therapy?
The amount of sunlight that can be received varies according to the seasons, weather, and geographic location. Locations farther from the Earth’s equator (a line around the earth separating the north and south poles)that experience more cloud cover, or have longer winter months are likely to experience changes in sunlight levels. When these changes decrease sunlight levels, it can affect mental health. As a result, technology has been created to imitate sunlight so the benefits can still be received. This technology is called a Light Box and its use is called Light therapy. Using natural light to fight against depression has been used since the beginning of civilization. Today, the use of light to help with various mental health disorders is being explored. For example, light therapy can be beneficial for individuals with seasonal patterns of recurrent major depression, formally called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). It is not only effective in helping those with SAD reduce depressive symptoms but can also help prevent the development of SAD. Additionally, studies have supported the use of light to help with depressive symptoms experienced in bipolar disorder and insomnia in chronic mood disorders.
However, optimal light intensities and durations of exposure are yet to be determined for some of the above mental health conditions, so further research is required to determine the most beneficial settings for the Light Boxes.
How does Light Therapy Work?
Light therapy can be traditionally used through a light box, or light glasses/visors. The light box is composed of fluorescent tubing which is covered by a light diffusing screen. Generally, individuals will begin by gradually exposing themselves to the therapy by sitting a certain distance in front of the light box with their eyes open. This process is repeated daily. The benefits of the therapy are typically noticeable within 2-3 weeks. However, continuous use is necessary until natural sunlight is available in the summer months.
Source:
Maruani, J., & Geoffroy, P. A. (2019). Bright light as a personalized precision treatment of mood disorders. Frontiers of Psychiatry, 85(10), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00085
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