Bright Light Therapy Can Help Treat Non-Seasonal Depression as Well as SAD, New Study Says

Bright light therapy, commonly used to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD)—a form of seasonal depression—can also be helpful for non-seasonal depression, according to a meta-analysis published yesterday in JAMA Psychiatry¹. Researchers also found that bright light therapy may help people respond more quickly to depression treatment overall.

“Major depressive disorder is currently the leading cause of functional disability and one of the most critical mental health issues,” say the study authors, a group of doctors and medical students in Brazil and Argentina. But they also note that the response rate to initial treatment for the condition (or how many people see a difference in symptoms after the first depression treatment they try) is less than 50 percent², which suggests that alternatives or add-on treatments like bright light therapy are necessary.

So, how does bright light therapy improve depression?

The researchers analyzed data from randomized clinical trials that looked at the effects of bright light therapy on people with non-seasonal depression. Their findings show that bright light therapy can be an effective tool when added to (not as a replacement for) traditional depression treatment. Overall, the response rate to treatment in people receiving bright light therapy was 40 percent, while the rate was only 23 percent in those not receiving the therapy.

The study authors say this suggests bright light therapy is a beneficial supplement to depression treatment that can also speed up the response to treatment.

SAD lamps (also known as light boxes) emit intense light, around 10,000 lux, mimicking outdoor light, per the Mayo Clinic. This type of bright light exposure may cause chemical changes in your brain, boosting serotonin and thus improving mood and reducing fatigue.

SAD lamps are most effective when used within the first hour of waking up for up to 30 minutes, per the Mayo Clinic. The lamp should be about 16 to 24 inches from your face, and you should keep your eyes open without looking directly into it. You can buy one without a prescription, but it’s best to let your healthcare provider know you’re trying bright light therapy and follow any guidance they might have.

It’s also important to stress here that bright light therapy or SAD lamps were found to be helpful along with other depression treatments, so you shouldn’t discontinue other forms of treatment without first talking to your provider.

Shop the best SAD lamps

SAD lamps or light boxes are available in a wide range of prices and sizes. The Mayo Clinic recommends looking for a lamp made specifically to treat SAD that emits at least 10,000 lux and as little UV light as possible. Beyond that, look for a lamp that fits your style and space.

Here are a few options:

TheraLite Light Therapy Lamp — $31.99

Circadian Optics Light Therapy Lamp — $52.74

Aura Bright Light Therapy Lamp — $39.99