Does Light Therapy Really Work For Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that typically starts in the fall and continues throughout the winter months. It affects about 5 - 15 percent of people all over in the world annually and can be quite debilitating, causing feelings of sadness, low energy and apathy. Evidence suggests that light therapy, also known as phototherapy, can be an effective treatment for this condition. Light therapy consists of sitting close to a device called a light therapy box, which gives off light that mimics natural sunlight. You can work, read or eat as you receive the therapy.

More research is needed to determine the exact biology behind light therapy, but it’s known that exposure to light boosts certain hormones in your body that help regulate mood. Researchers believe this is one of the ways light therapy can help reduce depressive symptoms. How to diagnose SAD? Is there any…