Red Light Therapy at Home as a Remedy for Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal affective disorder, known as SAD, is a type of depression that usually occurs in the autumn, winter or spring when natural sunlight is limited. Fatigue, depression, hopelessness, and isolation can be common symptoms of its emotional affect, and for those who suffer from it, it can be a real health challenge. Rojo Light Therapy provides Red Light Therapy at home, as a reliable solution to manage this type of condition backed by scientific research.

Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

The main factor contributing to SAD is said to be reduced exposure to sunlight, which disrupts the body’s time clock (circadian rhythm) and can lead to a deficiency in the hormones serotonin and melatonin - both of which contribute to well-being and sleep, by way of their enzymatic cascade of metabolic reactions in the body’s process of wakefulness. The dimmer days of winter reduce the production of these mood-enhancing hormones, which in turn cause associated symptoms of SAD.

How Red Light Therapy Works?

Red light therapy consists of the use of visible red or near-infrared light at very low doses. The exposure of the skin to red light (unlike ultraviolet (UV) light, which can damage it) penetrates the deeper layers of the skin, in order to stimulate cellular function and repair. As light is absorbed by cells, electron transport chains in the mitochondria are stimulated via photoreceptors in activating redox reactions for ATP synthesising pathways, the foremost energy production of cells. No wonder such therapy is gaining in the field of healing and health maintenance! 

Scientific Support for Red Light Therapy

Many studies have lent support to the efficacy of light therapy for SAD - and it’s good news that while traditional light therapy often uses bright white light, red light therapy at home can be just as effective, if not even more so. 

Research, such as the study conducted by Gloria M. Reeves et al., has shown that patients with SAD experience significant improvements in depression scores after just one hour of light therapy treatment. This study highlights that light therapy has rapid effects on mood in individuals with SAD aged 18 to 65 years for 1 month. It highlights the potential of red light therapy as a quick and effective intervention for managing depressive symptoms during the winter months.

Light therapy, which entails being exposed to a specialised light source for a set period of time, has been a fundamental aspect of treating Seasonal Affective Disorder. According to Dr. Richard S. Schwartz, an associate professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, light therapy is useful not only for seasonal depression, but also for nonseasonal classifications of depression, like severe and perinatal depression. The treatment’s influence on circadian rhythms and cognitive functioning enhances its effectiveness in treating SAD and other types of depression.

Moreover, full-spectrum light exposure, as utilised in light therapy, has been proven to be an effective treatment for SAD, with approximately 75% of individuals experiencing improvement within days to weeks of starting treatment. 

Conclusion

Red light therapy at home is a promising remedy for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), offering a natural and non-invasive way to alleviate symptoms. Supported by scientific research and clinical studies, this therapy can help regulate mood, improve energy levels, and enhance overall well-being. 

Anyone suffering from the debilitating effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder should consider timed and targeted red light therapy as part of their daily regimen. Rojo Light Therapy UK produces a wide range of high-specification, simple, easy-to-use devices for home use, specifically designed to harness the power of this scientifically proven treatment. 

Unleash the benefits of red light therapy by integrating its practices in the comfort of your residence. We present a range of products suitable for every budget to take charge of your mental wellness - contact us today!