Light Therapy

According to Dr. Paul Desan of Yale University’s Winter Depression Research Clinic, light therapy is the primary treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This therapy utilizes devices (21)______ emit light approximately 20 times (22)______ standard indoor lighting, measured at about 10,000 lux. Research indicates that most patients experiencing dramatic improvements often (23)______ medication when exposed to this bright light for 30 minutes every morning. This treatment is effective for both clinical SAD and less-severe winter low moods.

How to Use Light Therapy Effectively:

• Select the Right Device: Choose a lamp specifically designed for SAD that produces 10,000 lux.
• Timing: Use the light shortly after waking up in the morning (24)______ this is when the body is most responsive.
• Positioning: Sit at the manufacturer’s recommended distance, allowing light (25)______ your eyes indirectly without staring directly into the lamp.
• Consistency: Maintain a daily routine of 30-minute sessions throughout the winter months.

By following this daily routine, users can effectively (26)______ symptoms of depression and low mood during the darker seasons.