Light therapy for SAD treatment only became widely common in treating those people struggling with seasonal affective disorder in the early 1980s. Back then, researchers established that light therapy could benefit individuals afflicted with depression that occurred only during the wintertime. Even though it is utilized to relieve other disorders, this form of therapy is chiefly indicated for the treatment of SAD.
With regard to SAD, individuals will suffer in a depressive state, including extreme tiredness and an inclination to socially isolate themselves. SAD sufferers will also discover a substantial rise in appetite with a tendency to choose processed carbohydrates, and also to gain weight. Additionally they might have associated problems such as a depressed mood, sleeplessness or a disproportionate need for sleep, lack of enthusiasm and ability to focus, with a general lack of interest in normal pursuits. Treating SAD with light therapy can make an appreciable difference.
So how does light therapy work? This kind of therapy consists of exposing yourself to the light emitted by an ultraviolet lamp. This carries light to the skin and your eyes. For best results, the intensity of the luminosity must be between 2500 and 10,000 light units. Melatonin is a sleep hormone which is thought to be partly responsible for the symptoms associated with reduced exposure to light. This hormone is normally secreted at night to help us relax and get to sleep. The theory is that this hormone is somehow obstructed from being manufactured during the day and thus our patterns of sleep are disrupted.
The impact of the exposure to light on depressive symptoms is usually felt fairly rapidly for the majority of individuals, but can take up to ten days for others with more severe depressive symptoms. There are very few situations in which light therapy is not recommended, but it is a good idea to talk to your health care provider if you have an eye disorder or are taking medication which makes you sensitive to the light.
Other treatment options for SAD vary from pharmaceutical drugs to biofeedback. However, light therapy seems to be the most helpful to those who are affected by this yearly occurring problem. It has only been in the last 30 years that researchers have discovered exactly how advantageous light therapy actually is. Of all the therapies offered, it is the least invasive and quickest way to produce relief.
Winter depression, also known as SAD (seasonal affective disorder), is a condition that many people suffer with every year. Vsit our site to learn more about the options in winter depression treatments.