Discover how light therapy helps college students manage Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Learn about its benefits, effectiveness, and how it improves mood and energy levels during the colder months
The life of a college student is taxing, to say the least. It is often the first time you are living independently, responsible for your own schedule and lifestyle. For some, this is the most liberating period; for others, it can feel overwhelming. Most agree that college students face challenging times.
Whether living with parents or sharing a dorm, students are immersed in a new experience. Classes are demanding, and balancing coursework with a social life—and perhaps a job—can be difficult. The pressure to succeed may fuel negative thoughts and stress. Eating habits often shift, usually for the worse, and the sudden freedom can feel chaotic.
Self-care should be the top priority, yet it is frequently sidelined. While many students believe wellness requires major effort, even small steps can help.
Stress can precede various physical complaints. It is common for college students to report high stress; surveys suggest more than 40 % experience above-average levels, which may rise during exams and winter when time indoors increases. These challenges have intensified with pandemic-related distancing.
Some colleges, such as the University of Iowa, now offer light-therapy lamps to support students through darker months.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a recurring mood change that typically begins in fall or early winter and eases in spring or summer. Less commonly, the pattern can reverse.
Estimates suggest SAD may affect about 11 million people in the U.S. yearly, with 25 million more experiencing a milder “winter blues.” Depression and anxiety affect roughly 40 million American adults, yet only around 37 % receive adequate care for these mental-health conditions.
SAD symptoms can resemble those of other disorders—oversleeping, low energy, or fatigue—so evaluation by a professional is important.
The condition is linked to reduced sunlight. Shorter winter days can disrupt the circadian rhythm, and individual sensitivity to light varies. Limited morning light during winter may create circumstances that allow SAD to emerge.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (NIMH) Mayo Clinic overview of SAD
This information is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Light therapy supplies the bright light that winter often lacks and that many people with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) need. Beyond SAD, light therapy may ease several other issues, offering a safe, non-invasive, non-drug option.
The treatment mimics sunlight, and the ultraviolet-free glow can relieve SAD symptoms. Red-light wavelengths are generally considered skin-safe; Kayian’s devices are marketed as FDA-registered and MDASAP-certified.
Light energy penetrates the skin and may stimulate cells to produce more ATP, the fuel that powers cellular functions.
By acting on light-sensitive receptors, the brain perceives longer daylight, which can suppress daytime melatonin and support serotonin balance—two factors linked to SAD. Many users report noticeable mood lift within the first hour of a session, and daily use has helped some people reduce winter-related symptoms. College students and others with limited daylight exposure sometimes add light therapy to their routine.
This information is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice.
