A light box is an instrument used for light therapy in the treatment of seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. Also known as the "winter blues," SAD is a temporary depressive state that afflicts people during the winter months. Because SAD is thought to be correlated with a lack of exposure to sunlight, one way it is treated is by the individual sitting in front of a strong light. Since weight gain is a common side effect of depression, treating the underlying cause of the weight gain with light therapy may help.
Overview of SAD
Seasonal affective disorder is a depressive state that has many negative symptoms. Some of these include a lack of energy, willpower and motivation and an increased appetite for comfort foods -- especially those with a high carbohydrate load. These symptoms will often lead to an increased caloric intake and a lack of motivation or energy to exercise or watch dietary habits. Treating the SAD symptoms may therefore combat weight gain and get sufferers on the path back to a healthy lifestyle.
Light Therapy
A light box emits artificial light that substitutes for natural light. It has been proven effective for the treatment of seasonal affective disorder, but it is also sometimes used to treat other types of depression. Look for a light box that limits the emission of harmful ultraviolet rays. The light must be absorbed by your eyes indirectly. It is not simply enough for the light to hit your skin, but it is also harmful to stare directly at the bright light. People undergoing this treatment should sit about 18 to 21 inches from the light box and place it at an angle facing them. Light therapy is most effective when done in the morning and is usually begun with a 15-minute session, which can increase up to two hours depending on the intensity of the light.
Depression and Weight Gain
The tendency of most people to gain or lose weight is directly tied with mood. Depression can contribute to weight gain by weakening your motivation to take care of yourself, including exercising and eating well. It can also sap you of any energy to work out, even if you do manage to get to the gym. Depression paired with the winter season often exacerbates these issues, as there may be fewer opportunities to walk or exercise outside in harsh weather. Additionally, the shortened daylight hours may make some people wary of exercising after dark.
Considerations
Light-box therapy is generally safe, but short-term side effects are possible. These include headaches, nausea, eyestrain, irritability, mania and sleep problems. These effects may be mitigated by sitting farther away from the box or by reducing your total treatment time. Light therapy may be harmful to those who are sensitive to light and may also trigger manic episodes in people suffering from bipolar disorder. Consult with your psychiatrist, counselor, other mental health provider or physician before deciding if light-box therapy is your best course of action.
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