The Growing Research of Light Therapy
Albert Stern
For many years now the connection between mood and sunlight has been recognized. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a condition where low exposures to sunlight create symptoms of low energy, sluggishness, and depression. Various forms of light therapy have been proven to relieve the symptoms of this condition. Once the connection between light and mood was established it seems obvious. Lack of sunlight over long periods of time can be depressing.
Researchers are beginning to look deeper into the health benefits of light. The author, Katherine Hobson, wrote a great overview of the topic for the (stunningly beautiful) website, www.nautil.us. Ms. Hobson's article, "Take Light, Not Drugs" reviews the current state of light therapy, aka phototherapy.
The article touches on the new areas researchers are exploring with phototherapy, namely post-partum depression and Alzheimer’s disease.
It is fascinating to read. The whole article can be found: here.
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