As we head deeper into the shorter days and longer nights of fall and winter, it’s the perfect time to focus on the studied benefits of bright light therapy (BLT). In helping to advance or delay your body’s circadian rhythm (body clock), light therapy has been shown to improve a number of mental health conditions, including seasonal affective disorder (SAD), depression, bipolar disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), insomnia, and dementia.
Helping to advance or delay circadian rhythm, light therapy has been shown to improve a number of mental health conditions, including seasonal affective disorder (SAD), depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, insomnia, and dementia. Share on X
WHAT IS BRIGHT LIGHT THERAPY?
Bright light therapy, also known as light exposure therapy, circadian light therapy, light therapy, and phototherapy, has been a first-line treatment for seasonal affective disorder for several decades.
During a light therapy session, patients sit in front of a special light box positioned 16 to 24 inches away from the face for a set amount of time each day, often in the morning at home. The duration and frequency of the therapy is determined by a medical doctor or mental health professional.
The light therapy mimics natural outdoor light, but without the harmful UV rays. A session may last from 20 to 40 minutes, usually at the optimal intensity of 10,000 lux. When the light sends signals to the brain, a number of brain chemical responses are triggered that can both uplift mood and help to beneficially impact an individual’s circadian rhythm (the sleep/wake cycle). Studies show only mild side effects (jumpiness, headache, nausea) in some cases.
SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression sometimes called seasonal depression or winter depression because the symptoms most often occur during the fall and winter months when there is less sunlight. While the cause of SAD is not entirely clear, researchers believe that the reduced sunlight in fall and winter may trigger winter-onset SAD.
SAD is typically associated with depressive symptoms—feeling sad, losing interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, appetite changes, fatigue, feeling low self-esteem, trouble concentrating and making decisions, and even suicidal thoughts. In addition, weight gain is common with SAD due to increased cravings for carbohydrates and an increase in sleep. Symptoms last typically 40% of the year.
In roughly 10% of those with SAD, the disorder has the opposite seasonal pattern, occurring in the spring and summer months and going away during the fall and winter months. These individuals usually have a loss of appetite and sleep. In some people with bipolar disorder, spring and summer can bring on symptoms of mania or a less intense form of mania (hypomania), and fall and winter can be a time of depression.
A 2020 study estimates that SAD affects .5 to 2.4% of the population. It is more prevalent among younger people, women, and individuals in northern climates.
WHAT CAUSES SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER?
The exact cause of SAD is not clear. It is a complex disorder resulting from a combination of factors. The decrease in sunlight may disrupt your body’s internal clock and lead to feelings of depression. A drop in serotonin levels also may factor in. Reduced sunlight can cause a drop in serotonin, which can trigger depressive symptoms. The seasonal change can also disrupt the body’s melatonin levels, which can impact sleep patterns and mood. Additional contributing mechanisms may include retinal sensitivity to light, neurotransmitter dysfunction, and genetic variations affecting circadian rhythms.
STUDIES ON BRIGHT LIGHT THERAPY AND SAD
The great news for those experiencing SAD is that consistent use of bright light therapy is an effective treatment. One study examining SAD patients who underwent BLT found an immediate improvement in mood in as little as 20 minutes and greater improvement with 40 minutes of exposure.
Another BLT study showed remission of SAD symptoms and an “antidepressant effect” over placebo after 3 weeks of regular light therapy treatments. A longer study that tracked SAD patients undergoing BLT for short-term (2-8 weeks) and long-term (fall and winter months for 3-6 years) treatment found that “light therapy yields about 75% clinical remissions” and was as effective as an antidepressant.
BEYOND SAD: THE BENEFITS OF LIGHT THERAPY FOR MOOD DISORDERS, ADHD, INSOMNIA, AND DEMENTIA
In recent years, bright light therapy has shown benefits for a number of additional mental health conditions—all of which are in some way impacted by disruption to a patient’s circadian rhythm.
Bipolar Disorder and Depression
Altered sleep patterns and disrupted circadian rhythms play a role in both bipolar disorder and depressive disorder. A 2020 meta-analysis was performed evaluating 12 bright light therapy studies involving 847 patients with bipolar disorder. The results showed that BLT significantly reduced the severity of bipolar depression. An extensive review in Neuropsychobiology examined studies on bright light therapy for the treatment of mood disorders. It found substantial evidence for BLT efficacy in the treatment of chronic depression, antepartum depression, premenstrual depression, bipolar depression, and disturbances of the sleep-wake cycle. While more studies are recommended, this research is very promising.
ADHD
New research from the Netherlands has noted delayed circadian rhythms in individuals with ADHD. In fact, this study estimates a whopping 73–78% of children and adults with ADHD have the issue, which means they are night owls and don’t get sleepy or tired enough to fall asleep until 2 or 3 a.m. Hence, getting a good night’s sleep is an integral part of ADHD treatment.
Light therapy was used to treat ADHD in a 2006 pilot study. The study found the shift toward an earlier circadian preference with BLT was the strongest predictor of improvement on both subjective and objective ADHD measures. Similar findings were found in a more recent 2017 study in the Journal of Psychiatric Research. These results are promising for further investigation in larger studies.
Insomnia and Dementia
The Sleep Foundation touts light therapy as helpful to those who suffer from insomnia, especially sleeplessness that is linked to circadian rhythm sleep disorders. A 2016 review study on light therapy and sleep problems surveyed 53 studies with a total of 1,154 participants. It concluded that “light therapy is effective for sleep problems in general, particularly for circadian outcomes and insomnia symptoms.”
One of the main symptoms of dementia after impaired cognition is that of sleep disturbances. The most problematic sleep disturbances are found in Alzheimer’s disease. While more research is needed, a small 2016 study in Psychogeriatrics using bright light therapy showed improvement of sleep disturbances in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.
A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR LIGHT THERAPY
Despite research showing its efficacy, this simple, non-drug therapy is underutilized, according to a recent study. Hopefully, with education and increased awareness, many more people struggling with seasonal affective disorder and other mental health issues can be helped by bright light therapy.
Seasonal affective disorder, depression, ADHD, and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.
Is a certification required for use of and advertising use of the BLT? Please elaborate. Thanks.-Patricia Haley, LPC-S
Comment by Patricia Haley, LPC — November 17, 2021 @ 4:18 AM
And, where does one obtain a bright light system?
Comment by Valerei Zimmer — November 17, 2021 @ 6:28 AM
Where can you obtain the lighting for BLT
Comment by Bonnie — November 17, 2021 @ 6:35 AM
You are doing good work with your equipment and doctors. It’s my hope that you can get more equipment and trained personal in more states.
I’m in Colorado. It’s growing fast and needs the lastest advancement techniques and technologies to assist people in this area as well as many others.
Thanks for your work and my prayers are with you that you can expand.
Comment by Thomas R Jones — November 17, 2021 @ 7:36 AM
Living in the Northeast I have considered buying one of these each winter as it is dark when I wake up and often when I leave work. I miss the sun! Can you recommend a particular light? There are many choices and I don’t know which is the best and most likely to actually help and not give off UV rays. Thanks!
Comment by Karen — November 17, 2021 @ 7:51 AM
What brands of bright light do you recommend?
Comment by Diane Simmons — November 17, 2021 @ 10:34 AM
Any particular light box brands that Dr Amen would recommend?
Comment by Michele Rogan — November 17, 2021 @ 12:55 PM
How can I purchase one of your light therapy products or are they available from a credible manufacturer? Thank you
Comment by Robert Diduck — November 17, 2021 @ 3:12 PM
is there a certain type of light (e.g. brand name) that you recommend?
Comment by mary adelman — November 17, 2021 @ 8:02 PM
I wound like to invite Dr Ameen to teach my group of GPs in Malaysia to learn Dr Ameen course in Health Health Issues .I m a Vice President of leading GPs in Malaysia . Hope to here from you soon TQVM
Comment by WAN JULIA SHAM ARIFFIN — November 17, 2021 @ 10:21 PM
I understand the benefits of light therapy however being in the eye care field I am concerned about blue light and the potential effect on the macula. Do these light sources put out blue light and have there been any vision studies on light therapy users?
Comment by Fred — November 18, 2021 @ 4:50 AM
Hello Valerei, thank you for reaching out. While there are many options out there, we recommend using the one from our brand. It can be found here: https://brainmd.com/bright-minds-therapy-lamp
Comment by Amen Clinics — November 19, 2021 @ 11:15 AM
Hello Bonnie, thank you for reaching out. While there are many options out there, we recommend using our brand. It can be found here: https://brainmd.com/bright-minds-therapy-lamp
Comment by Amen Clinics — November 19, 2021 @ 11:16 AM
Hello Karen, thank you for reaching out. We recommend the one from Brainmd, which is brand started by Dr. Amen. The Brainmd light can be found here: https://brainmd.com/bright-minds-therapy-lamp
Comment by Amen Clinics — November 19, 2021 @ 11:17 AM
Hello Diane, thank you for reaching out. While there are many options out there, we recommend the one from our brand, Brainmd. The Brainmd light can be found here: https://brainmd.com/bright-minds-therapy-lamp
Comment by Amen Clinics — November 19, 2021 @ 11:17 AM
Hello Michele, thank you for reaching out. While there are many options out there, we recommend the one from Brainmd (a brand started by Dr. Amen). The Brainmd light can be found here: https://brainmd.com/bright-minds-therapy-lamp
Comment by Amen Clinics — November 19, 2021 @ 11:18 AM
Hello Robert, thank you for reaching out. Brainmd, a brand started by Dr. Amen, has a bright light therapy light that we recommend. It can be found here: https://brainmd.com/bright-minds-therapy-lamp
Comment by Amen Clinics — November 19, 2021 @ 11:19 AM
Hello Mary, thank you for reaching out. We recommend checking out the light from Brainmd, a brand started by Dr. Amen himself. The Brainmd light can be found here: https://brainmd.com/bright-minds-therapy-lamp
Comment by Amen Clinics — November 19, 2021 @ 11:20 AM
Where do you purchase this and what brand is best? I’m very interested in this for myself and my son. Thanks!
Comment by Rebecca Mills — December 21, 2021 @ 4:38 PM
Where should I look? I don’t want to hurt my eyes by looking directly at a bright light.
Comment by Miki — December 21, 2021 @ 9:03 PM
Hello Miki, Dr. Amen has a product if you’re interested: https://brainmd.com/bright-minds-therapy-lamp.
Comment by Amen Clinics — December 22, 2021 @ 9:14 AM
Hello Rebecca, thank you for reaching out. Dr. Amen has developed a product if you’re interested: https://brainmd.com/bright-minds-therapy-lamp.
Comment by Amen Clinics — December 22, 2021 @ 9:15 AM
Where can you buy your white and blue light therapy?
Comment by Ryan — February 26, 2022 @ 9:57 PM
Hello Ryan, thank you for reaching out. You can find Dr. Amen’s recommended BRIGHT MINDS Therapy Lamp here: https://brainmd.com/bright-minds-therapy-lamp.
Comment by Amen Clinics — February 28, 2022 @ 6:46 AM
How does bright light therapy and red light therapy compare? Are both needed? or is one better than the other? Thank you!
Comment by Megan — April 14, 2023 @ 1:17 PM