Using Light Therapy At Home To Treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Why Is Light Therapy Used To Treat Sad

Using Light Therapy At Home To Treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Introduction
What is light therapy?
Why is light therapy used to treat SAD?
How is light therapy done?
Where to go from here
Related Information
References
Credits

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Why is light therapy used to treat SAD?

Most people with seasonal affective disorder become depressed in the fall and winter, when days are shorter and sunlight is limited. Although researchers are still studying the exact cause of SAD, some believe the body's 24-hour biological clock (circadian rhythms), which controls sleep/wake cycles, may be affected by seasonal changes of light and darkness and that subsequent biochemical changes in the brain may cause depression. Light therapy helps to "reset" your biological clock.

Light therapy, which has few side effects, is also an alternative to taking medications to treat depression. It can also be used with medications and counseling.

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Last updated:	August 22, 2006
Author:	Sabra L. Katz-Wise
Reviewed By:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine, Alfred Lewy, MD, PhD - Neurology, Psychiatry
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Terrina Vail

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