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By Mayo Clinic staffLight therapy probably won't cure seasonal affective disorder, depression or other conditions. But it may ease symptoms, increase your energy levels and help you feel better about yourself and life.
Light therapy can start to improve symptoms within just a few days. In some cases, though, it can take two or more weeks.
Getting the most out of light therapy
Light therapy isn't effective for everyone. But you can take steps to get the most out of your light therapy and help make it a success, including:
- Be consistent. Sticking to a daily routine of light therapy sessions can help ensure that you maintain improvements over time. If you simply can't do light therapy every day, take a day or two off, but monitor your mood and other symptoms — you may have to find a way to fit in light therapy every day.
- Time it right. If you interrupt light therapy during the winter months or stop too soon in the spring when you think you're improving, your symptoms could return.
- Get the right light box. Do some research and talk to your doctor before purchasing a light therapy box. That way you can be sure your light box is safe, the right brightness and that its style and features make it convenient to use.
- Include other treatment. If your symptoms don't improve enough with light therapy, you may need additional treatment. Talk to your doctor about other treatment options, such as psychotherapy or antidepressants.
- Rosenthal NE, et al. Light therapy. In: Gabbard GO, et al. Treatments of Psychiatric Disorders. 4th ed.: American Psychiatric Publishing; 2007. http://www.psychiatryonline.com/content.aspx?aID=257853. Accessed July 13, 2010.
- Terman M. Evolving applications of light therapy. Sleep Medicine Reviews. 2007;11:497.
- Shirani A, et al. Illuminating rationale and uses for light therapy. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. 2009;5:155.
- Practice guideline for the treatment of patients with major depressive disorder. 2nd ed. American Psychiatric Association. http://www.psychiatryonline.com/content.aspx?aID=49541&searchStr=phototherapy#49541. Accessed July 13, 2010.
- Howland RH. Somatic therapies for seasonal affective disorder. Journal of Psychological Nursing. 2009;47:17.
- Sivamani RK, et al. The benefits and risks of ultraviolet tanning and its alternatives: The role of prudent sun exposure. Dermatologic Clinics. 2009;27:129.
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