Thanks to red light therapy bed treatments for Seasonal Affective Disorder, Parker and Aurora, CO, patients can effectively address their depression during the fall and winter months. Red light therapy has been seen to make a major difference for patients experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder.
What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?
Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a mental health disorder experienced during fall and winter. These months’ shorter days cause people to get much less sunlight. Additionally, the cold weather drives more people to stay indoors, further reducing exposure to sunlight.
This lack of sunlight can result in reduced serotonin and dopamine. Sunlight aids in the creation of these neurotransmitters, which are key for effective mood regulation. Depleted levels can result in mood swings.
The lack of sunlight caused by shorter days can also negatively affect the body’s circadian rhythm (internal clock), causing depression and creating issues with sleep. Additionally, it can result in increased production of a hormone called melatonin, which increases fatigue.
Who Typically Experiences Seasonal Affective Disorder?
5% of all Americans experience Seasonal Affective Disorder. Women are more likely to experience it than men, though men report more severe symptoms than women.
Typical SAD sufferers are ages 18 to 30. People who live at least 30 degrees north or south of the equator are also more likely to have Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Additionally, a family history of SAD, depression, or bipolar disorder can make people more likely to experience this condition.
Common Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Symptoms
Those suffering from SAD often feel depressed, hopeless, tense, stressed, and irritable. They may avoid their usual social activities, feel less interested in physical contact and intimacy, and have difficulty getting out of bed.
Seasonal Affective Disorder can result in a constant feeling of fatigue and low energy. It can also cause sleep problems like an increased need to rest or an inability to get the sleep you need.
People with SAD may find it difficult to focus, concentrate, and be productive. They may also experience cravings for carbohydrates and notice that they are gaining weight. Additionally, they may be more inclined towards drinking and recreational drug use.
How Does a Red Light Therapy Bed Help Treat Seasonal Affective Disorder?
A red light therapy bed is used for a type of treatment called photobiomodulation therapy. It delivers therapeutic red and near-infrared light wavelengths to the cells of the body. These light wavelengths simulate the positive effects of natural sunlight while avoiding the negative affects of natural sunlight’s UV rays. This creates a number of positive changes on a cellular level.
A red light therapy bed can encourage the brain to create more serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins, helping mood regulation and reducing depression.
It can reduce melatonin production, helping regulate proper melatonin levels and correcting circadian rhythm. This makes sleeping easier and restores that well-rested feeling afterwards.
Red light therapy can also improve the cells’ energy production, decreasing fatigue and boosting energy.
Red Light Therapy vs. Other Seasonal Affective Disorder Treatment Options
There are several popular treatment options for Seasonal Affective Disorder. SAD lamps use artificial light to replicate the effects of natural sunlight. While these lamps can create the appearance of natural light, they also create a lot of blue light. Blue light can negatively affect the body’s circadian rhythm and result in increased fatigue, along with eye strain.
Medications are another popular option. While these can be effective to some degree, they can also cause several unwanted side effects. Red light therapy bed treatment avoids these side effects, making it a much better option for people looking for a pill-free solution.
What Happens During a Red Light Therapy Bed Session for SAD?
During a red light therapy bed treatment session, the patient first gets into the red light therapy bed. Wavelengths of natural red and near-infrared light (630 to 670nm and 810 to 880nm, respectively) are then directed at the body. The feeling is warm and very relaxing.
Session length varies depending on the type of red light therapy bed being used. Certain beds only require 12 to 16 minutes to treat the entire body effectively. Our wellness experts will recommend a specific number of sessions based on your case.
Learn More About Red Light Therapy for Seasonal Affective Disorder
At Beyond Human, we offer red light therapy bed treatments for Seasonal Affective Disorder in Parker and Aurora, CO. Take the first step and set up your consultation today!