Shedding New Light on Depression with this “Sunlight” Hack

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted December 18, 2024

You’ve likely heard of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

This form of the blues hits as the leaves fall and the days grow shorter.

Well, new research reveals that the same therapy that helps many folks battling SAD feel better could be a ray of hope for those fighting other types of depression, too.

Here’s what we know…

When the days get shorter and grayer, some folks’ internal clocks go haywire, resulting in seasonal depression.

With SAD, you’re hit with classic depression symptoms plus some extras, including increased appetite, weight gain, and excessive sleepiness. It’s like your body is sending you a message that it’s time to hibernate, but modern living blocks the memo.

However, light therapy, or phototherapy, can mimic the natural sunlight we miss during fall and winter.

You simply sit near a sunlight-simulating light box for at least 30 minutes in the morning to do it. The bright light helps correct your circadian rhythm, triggering your brain to produce more serotonin and less melatonin, improving mood and reducing other SAD symptoms.

Well, it turns out this same simple treatment could also be a game-changer for folks suffering from other forms of depression.

You see, light plays a crucial role in regulating our mood and energy levels year-round. In fact, light therapy appears to work for seasonal and nonseasonal depression nearly as well as antidepressants or cognitive behavioral therapy.

The results vary from study to study, but it’s estimated that between 40 and 60 percent of depressed people find significant relief when they increase their light exposure.

For example, a study published in Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences confirmed it could be groundbreaking for those battling major depression and perinatal depression (depression during or after pregnancy).

But before you rush out to buy the biggest, brightest lamp you can find, remember the best light comes from the sun itself.

Studies show that most of us spend 90 percent of our days indoors. So, simply spending more time outdoors can help beat back depression of all sorts.

However, during the winter months, using a light box makes sense for many folks, especially those living in snowy northern climates.

So, the next time you’re feeling down in the dumps, whether it’s the dead of winter or the height of summer, remember that the solution could be as simple as letting a little more light into your life.

P.S. Shedding some light on ANOTHER hidden depression trigger.

Source:

Virtanen, S. Törmälehto, T. Partonen, M. Elovainio, R. Ruuhela, C. Hakulinen, K. Komulainen, J. Airaksinen, A. Väänänen, A. Koskinen, R. Sund. Seasonal patterns of sickness absence due to diagnosed mental disorders: a nationwide 12-year register linkage study. Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences, 2023; 32 DOI: 10.1017/S2045796023000768

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

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