Insufficiency of light causes depressions
If there is not enough natural light, 5 to 20 % of the total population develop genuine symptoms of deficiency. Symptoms such as increased sleep requirements, lack of drive, mood fluctuations and even depression can develop especially in the months of winter to become Seasonal Affective Disorders (SAD). U.S. scientists have researched the phenomenon since the beginning of the 1980s.
Biologically effective light is being implemented ever more frequently for medical purposes, and Seasonal Affective Disorders (SAD) occurring in winter months have already been successfully treated with light. Initial analyses now indicate that light therapy also has positive effects with non-seasonal depression and other illnesses.
Light therapy produces serotonin
Therapy with light for depression is effective according to today's medical knowledge via the eyes, whereas other light treatment can be effective over the skin, for example with bilirubin therapy. If daylight falls onto the retina then the pituitary gland in the interbrain generates hormones and messenger substances such as serotonin. With greater production, the neurotransmitter serotonin, responsible for the communication of information between the brain cells, lightens moods, increases well-being and motivates. Biologically effective light simulates the intensity and color temperature of daylight so that the body can increasingly produce serotonin, and with light therapy, shortwave light in the blue range of the visible spectrum is transmitted that stimulates the ganglion cells of the third photoreceptor on the retina. These then inhibit production of the melatonin hormone. During the day the organism is thus alert and ready to perform, and people sleep better during nocturnal hours.
Most effective: Treatment with light in the morning
Light therapy in the morning is recommended to clearly indicate to our inner clocks that the day has begun and that the body should be aroused. During the evening such therapy is normally less effective, as this suppresses the production of melatonin and makes falling asleep more difficult. There are patients though who do benefit from treatment with light during the evening. The frequency and duration of the therapy are variable, and during a discussion with the patient the doctor individually stipulates this according to symptoms. In most cases a healing effect occurs already after one or two weeks, and patients that regularly suffer from SAD also use light therapy in a preventative way. Serious side-effects are not known, and generally speaking an ophthalmologist should be consulted prior to light therapy, as care must be taken with certain eye disorders.
Light therapy has major potential
In addition to verified therapeutic results, initial surveys also show that premenstrual disorders for example can be successfully treated, and mainly their emotional side-effects. There are also indications that bulimic eating attacks can be treated, especially seasonally-dependent bulimia. A comparative survey carried out by the naturopathic department of the Blankenstein Hospital in Hattingen, Germany showed that light therapy also achieves good results with non-seasonal depression, and mainly in combination with the herb St. John's Wort.
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