As the leaves change color and the cool breeze fills the air, many of us revel in the beauty of autumn. The thought of cozy sweaters and brisk walks through fallen leaves brings a comforting feeling to many. However, for some of your patients, the arrival of colder weather also signifies the onset of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a condition that can make the colder months feel like a struggle. If you are in search of a non-invasive, medicine-free solution for your patients, consider red light therapy for SAD.
Red light therapy, a non-invasive and scientifically-backed treatment, can provide a ray of hope. Red light therapy, among countless other benefits, has been shown in hundreds of clinical studies to noticeably improve mental health. Contour Light presents cutting-edge LED technology for your clinic that can make a meaningful difference in the lives of your patients.
Read our blog below to learn how Contour Light combats Seasonal Affective Disorder.
The Science Behind Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a form of depression that typically occurs during the fall and winter months. Although the exact causes of SAD are not fully understood, a study at John Hopkins University about SAD believes it to be related to the disruption of the body’s circadian rhythm. The seasonal reduced exposure to natural light can lead to imbalances in important neurotransmitters that regulate mood and sleep patterns.
Moreover, the lack of sunlight can disrupt the body’s production of vitamin D, which is essential for maintaining mental and physical health. The combination of these factors can contribute to the onset of SAD, leading to symptoms like fatigue, depression, anxiety, mood swings, and increased irritability. Though SAD is more common in women over the age of 20, it affects men as well. Individuals struggling with chronic depression and/or anxiety often also suffer with SAD, and red light therapy can help with that, too.
How Red Light Therapy Energizes Cells and Boosts Mental Health
Red light therapy, also known as low-level light therapy (LLLT) is a treatment that uses low-level wavelengths of light to stimulate specific biological functions within the body. It works by enlivening the mitochondria in the cells. The brain, which uses the greatest amount of energy and oxygen of all of the organs of the body by far, has the greatest concentration of mitochondria-the energy powerhouses of human life. Alongside nutrition and regularly moving the body, light is the major contributor to energizing the brain and increasing the number of mitochondria in the brain cells, thereby putting into motion the body’s own vibrant healing processes. Red light and near infrared light pass through the skull and interact directly with mitochondria in the brain cells, bringing energy, balance and calm.
By energizing these cells, red light therapy provides a boost of energy, which helps combat the fatigue and lethargy commonly associated with SAD. Red light therapy has been shown to balance mood and decrease anxiety by promoting the release of serotonin and combating the depressive symptoms of SAD.
Additionally, red light therapy helps to boost the production of vitamin D in the body. This is especially valuable during the winter months when sunlight exposure is limited. Adequate vitamin D levels are essential for mental health and overall well-being, making red light therapy for SAD a great option.
Searching for other uncommon benefits of red light therapy? Check out how you can give your patients comforting protection and a sense of well-being this flu season.
How Contour Light Provides Red Light Therapy for SAD
The Contour Light stands out as the only pad-based red light therapy device with FDA Clearance. They utilize a combination of LED red light at a wavelength of 635 nm and near-infrared light at 880 nm, harnessing the benefits of both frequencies. Furthermore, the unique design conforms to the body’s shape, and has a proprietary reflective coating on the pads that ensure maximum therapeutic red light energy penetrates the skin, making treatments more effective.
See how Contour Light Devices can make a difference in your medical practice. For more information about The Contour Light System, visit our website. You can also watch this video to hear more about the device from its creator, Douglas Dreier.