Summertime sadness? It could be reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Learn how red light therapy helps treat symptoms & improve mood year-round.
Have you heard of summertime sadness? Better yet, have you experienced it yourself?
Many people assume seasonal affective disorder (SAD) only strikes in the gloomy winter months, yet it can appear at any time of year. Before exploring further, it helps to know what SAD is.
The American Psychiatric Association defines seasonal affective disorder as a form of depression. People with SAD notice recurring mood changes and depressive symptoms. While the condition most often begins in fall or winter when daylight is scarce, it can occur year-round; January and February are usually the hardest months.
Although SAD is nicknamed the “winter blues,” its symptoms can disrupt everyday life. Possible symptoms include:
As noted, seasonal affective disorder is not limited to fall and winter; it can also emerge in spring or summer. This pattern is called reverse SAD. Clinical psychologist Dr. Meghan Marcum, chief psychologist at A Mission for Michael, estimates that roughly one in ten SAD cases occur in summer (or in winter for people living in the southern hemisphere).
Factors that may fuel reverse SAD include disrupted routines, fear of missing out, travel expenses, higher alcohol use, and body-image concerns. These stressors can intensify symptoms and impair daily functioning.
Although reverse SAD affects people worldwide, light therapy has helped ease symptoms for many by re-introducing bright, structured light into the day.
Light therapy and seasonal affective disorder
If you have wondered, “Does red-light therapy help seasonal affective disorder?” the short answer is: it may. Light therapy and SAD are often paired to support recovery and help people return to more balanced, enjoyable lives.
NIMH: Seasonal Affective Disorder Mayo Clinic: SAD Overview
Red light therapy for seasonal depression targets the body’s circadian rhythm, the 24-hour sleep-wake cycle. In people with SAD, this cycle is often out of sync. Exposure to bright red light may support the natural production of melatonin and serotonin: melatonin governs sleep timing, while serotonin helps regulate mood.
One study suggests that light therapy can ease SAD-related symptoms such as delayed circadian phase and low mood. Using a red-light device cleared for home use, brief morning and evening sessions may help re-align the sleep-wake cycle.
Kayian manufactures red-light devices intended for at-home or professional settings. To explore options for personal use or private-label partnerships, contact our team.
PMC study on light therapy and SAD Cleveland Clinic overview of sun lamps
