Week 4 - Light Therapy VS. Seasonal Depression

This is the season of darkness, waking up in darkness and finishing work in darkness. People often experience Seasonal Depression as a result of the constant state of blackness. When thinking about Red Light Therapy and Light Therapy in general, here's what I found:

• In Winter months there's less natural daylight. That reduced exposure can disrupt the body's circadian rhythm (the sleep-wake cycle) and lead to the "phase delay" scenario (you wake later, feel sluggish, mood low)

• Bright light exposure (especially in the morning) appears to suppress melatonin (the sleep hormone) and boost or normalize serotonin and other mood-related neurochemicals.

• "Light boxes" or devices that mimic outdoor light have been shown, in many studies, to reduce symptoms of Seasonal Depression.

What do we know about Red Light Therapy and Mood/SAD?

• There are some early/emerging pieces of research and commentary suggesting that red or near-infrared light might have potential for mood disorders including Seasonal Depression.

• Circadian/melatonin modulation: While brigh tlight acts via retinal exposure and circadian phase shifting, some Red Light Therapy devices (depending on placement) might indirectly influence sleep patterns via better energy, less fatigue, improved sleep. For someone with winter fatigue, this could help.

• Neurotrasmitter/serotinin pathways: Traditional bright light appears to reduce serotonin transporter binding potential (thus more available srotonin) in Seasonal Depression. It's conceivable Red Light Therapy has similiar influcences.

• Mood-energising/behavioral activation effect: If Red Light Therapy gives more energy/less fatigure, then this may also lead to increased activity/exercise/social engagement, which indirectly improves mood.

• Supplemental to daylight deficiency: In Winter, the face/eyes don't see enough bright light. Red Light Therapy could be a "lesser but still positive" light input compared with full-spectrum daylight, especially if one is indoors a lot.

Overall, when it comes to the research and studies done thus far, there are a lot of potential positives to Red Light Therapy. Next time you're in for a massage, feel free to ask questions or give it a try for free. See how it affects your body, mood, energy levels, inflammation, etc.