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Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) isn't just for winter; it can also affect some persons during summer, hence the name summer seasonal depression. Summer is supposed to be fun—think of beaches, a nice walk in the park, vacations, and parties—but for people who experience Seasonal affective disorder during this season, the opposite is true. Instead of joy, the warmer months bring a different kind of weather: emotional storms. While many associate Seasonal Affective Disorder with the shorter, darker days of winter, a small percentage of people go through major depressive disorder (MDD) during summer.Understanding the nuances of seasonal depression in summer is essential for those affected. In this article, we'll explore this disorder, what it is, its symptoms, and how light therapy can help alleviate underlying symptoms.
Overview of summer seasonal depression
Summer seasonal depression is a form of seasonal affective disorder that occurs during the spring and summer months. Unlike the more common winter-onset SAD, associated with colder, darker months, summer SAD is triggered by longer days and increased heat and humidity.
Summertime depression can affect daily life, including how you feel, think, and behave. If you have observed significant changes in your mood and behaviour during spring and summer periods, you may be experiencing summer seasonal affective disorder (S-SAD).
While less commonly discussed than its winter counterpart, summer seasonal depression affects approximately one per cent of Americans.
Symptoms typically start in late spring or early summer and absolve in the fall. This condition is more prevalent in tropical climates in countries nearer to the equator . Thankfully, treatment can help you get through this challenging time.
How is Summer Seasonal Depression different from winter seasonal depression?
Both summer seasonal depression and winter seasonal depression are forms of seasonal affective disorder that affect some persons in periods of seasonal changes .
It impacts mood, thought, and attitude. However similar, summer seasonal depression is quite different from winter seasonal depression (W-SAD).
Winter SAD is believed to be associated with lower light exposure , which causes elevated production of melatonin and reduced levels of serotonin.
Melatonin is a hormone important for maintaining the normal sleep−wake cycle. An increased melatonin level can increase sleepiness and lead to oversleeping.
Serotonin plays key roles in the body, including influencing learning, memory, and happiness and regulating body temperature, sleep, sexual behaviour, and hunger. A reduction in serotonin activity is believed to contribute to anxiety, depression , and other health conditions.
On the flip side, for those who experience Summer-pattern SAD, factors like extreme heat and humidity play a role. These people may have reduced melatonin levels, consistent with long, hot days worsening sleep quality and leading to depression symptoms.
Longer daylight hours, shorter nights, and high temperatures can also cause sleep disruptions. However, these theories have not been systematically tested.
What are the symptoms of summer SAD?
SAD is a type of depression marked by a recurrent seasonal pattern, with symptoms lasting 4−5 months per year. The symptoms of SAD include those related to depression, as well as disorder-specific symptoms that change between winter and summer SAD. Here are some of them below:
Trouble sleeping
Poor appetite, leading to weight loss
Restlessness and agitation
Anxiety (summer anxiety)
Episodes of violent or aggressive behaviour
It's important to note that these symptoms can overlap with other mental health conditions, so it's crucial to consult a healthcare specialist for an accurate diagnosis.
How light therapy is an effective solution
Experts aren’t sure why seasonal changes cause depression; however, since the 1980s, light therapy has been a mainstay for treating SAD (winter-pattern SAD specifically). The solution aims to expose people with SAD to a bright light to compensate for the diminished natural sunlight in darker months.
While light therapy is traditionally used for winter SAD and helps address underlying causes of SAD, like an increase in melatonin and reduction in serotonin levels, these changes are not the primary imbalances associated with summer SAD; hence, they may have limited benefit for this form of seasonal affective disorder.
In general, increased levels of melatonin and reduced serotonin activity associated with SAD can be alleviated using light therapy.
However, before treating summer seasonal depression with light therapy, consult with a healthcare provider to be sure that these specific underlying symptoms (increased melatonin and reduced serotonin) are the cause of the depression.
How does light therapy work?
To use light therapy or phototherapy, the person sits about 2-3 feet before a bright lightbox (10,000 lux). The treatment usually starts with one 10—to 15-minute session per day. Then, depending on your response, the time increases to 30-45 minutes daily.
Typically, this should be the first thing you do in the morning. Engaging in light therapy doesn't stop you from going about your daily tasks. You can do it while you read, eat, brush your teeth, work on a computer, or perform other activities.
While light therapy is generally safe for most people, people with certain eye diseases or medications that increase sensitivity to bright light may need alternative treatments or light therapy under medical supervision. People who have bipolar disorder should also speak with their mental health professional or psychiatrist before trying light therapy.
Note that light boxes aren't regulated, so it's essential to make sure you buy one that meets certain specifications. Luminette 3 Light Therapy Glasses and the Drive Light Therapy Lamp for summer SAD are excellent recommendations.
Different types of light therapy devices
Light therapy devices come in various forms, including:
Light therapy boxes or lamps: These are the most common type, emitting a bright light over a large area. An example of such is our Drive Light Therapy Lamp .
Light therapy glasses: These are designed to be worn like sunglasses and offer targeted light exposure to the eyes. An example of such is our Luminette 3 Light Therapy Glasses for summer SAD.
When choosing a light therapy device, make sure it is designed for SAD, emits a bright, full-spectrum light, and filters out potentially damaging UV light.
Using other forms of light therapy, such as those primarily used for treating skin conditions, can be dangerous. These lights use UV light and can damage your eyes.
Advantages of light therapy for summer seasonal depression
Non-invasive, safe and easy to use
Light therapy for summer SAD is a noninvasive solution that can be easily integrated into daily routines. Sessions typically last 20-30 minutes, and users can engage in other activities, like reading, eating breakfast, or working during treatment.
Few side effects
Not only is light therapy non-invasive, but it's safe with minimal side effects as well. It can be a safe way to minimise dependency on medications with little to no side effects.
Some users may experience minor issues, like eye strain or headaches, which can often be mitigated by adjusting the duration or distance from the light source.
If you're questioning the safety of using light therapy, consider these findings and studies:
A 2022 study on light therapy inferred that this therapy "offers a simple, safe, and cost-effective method to augmenting depressive treatment on an acute psychiatric floor."
A systematic review of 15 separate studies discovered light therapy to be as effective and maybe more effective when compared to antidepressants.
If you're looking for a more comprehensive approach to treating low energy, poor sleep, and summer sadness, light therapy may help. While it won't completely replace the use of medications, it can reduce dependency.
Complementary to other treatments
Light therapy can be combined with other summer seasonal affective disorder solutions , such as medication or talk therapy, enhancing overall treatment effectiveness.
How to incorporate light therapy into your routine
- Set a schedule: Aim to implement light therapy daily for 20–30 minutes. The first hour after waking up is a good time for this treatment because exposure to bright light can help regulate your circadian rhythm. This is crucial for improving mood and boosting energy levels throughout the day. Remember to place the light at arm's length and within your peripheral field of vision to ensure effectiveness without discomfort.
- Find a comfortable space: Choose a convenient spot where you can easily sit or stand, such as a corner of your bedroom, office, or a spare room. Make sure the area is free from excessive noise or distractions, allowing you to relax and make the most out of your light therapy session.
- Combine with other activities: Multitasking during your light therapy session can make the experience more enjoyable and productive. Engage in activities like playing a mobile phone game, reading a favorite book, meditating, or listening to uplifting music. This integration helps make the practice a seamless part of your daily routine.
- Track your progress: Keep a journal to note mood improvements and overall well-being. Record any changes in energy levels, sleep patterns, or emotional responses. This documentation can help you stay motivated and allow you to adjust your routine as needed to maximize benefits.
Consider investing in light therapy devices like the Luminette 3 Light Therapy Glasses and Drive Light Therapy Lamp . These are excellent recommendations for a more convenient light therapy solution. Both devices can be used while you perform daily duties, such as driving, watching TV, or doing the dishes. They come with adjustable settings to suit various individual preferences, allowing you to start with lower intensity and progressively increase it as needed. Additionally, some of these gadgets are portable, meaning you can take your light therapy on the go, ensuring consistency in your routine regardless of your location.
Luminette 3 light therapy glasses are innovative eyeglasses designed to allow you to enjoy a light therapy session while engaging in your regular activities. Unlike traditional therapy lamps, Luminette 3 eyeglasses feature an artificial light source that directs a safe light beam into your eyes without causing any dazzling effect or obstructing your clear vision.
To use them, simply wear the eyeglasses and press a button to activate the light, and your phototherapy session begins. These glasses are user-friendly and compatible with those who wear prescription glasses or contact lenses, ensuring no disruption to vision or comfort.
With the convenience of Luminette 3, there is no longer a need to sit beside a stationary light therapy lamp for 30 minutes each day. The freedom to move around means you can prepare breakfast, dive into a captivating book, catch up on your favorite TV shows, work on your computer tasks, or even engage in light exercises, all while receiving your therapeutic light exposure. Whether you're at home or on the go, Luminette 3 offers a flexible and efficient solution to incorporate light therapy into your daily life.
Takeaway: Reclaim your summer with Luminette
Summer seasonal depression is a form of seasonal affective disorder that occurs during the spring and summer months. Unlike the more common winter-onset SAD, associated with colder, darker months, summer SAD is triggered by longer days and increased heat and humidity.
Summertime depression can affect daily life, including how you feel, think, and behave. If you have observed significant changes in your mood and behaviour during spring and summer periods, you may be experiencing summer seasonal affective disorder (S-SAD).
While less commonly discussed than its winter counterpart, summer seasonal depression affects approximately one per cent of Americans.
Symptoms typically start in late spring or early summer and absolve in the fall. This condition is more prevalent in tropical climates in countries nearer to the equator . Thankfully, treatment can help you get through this challenging time.
FAQs
How does light therapy help alleviate symptoms of summer seasonal depression?
Light therapy exposes people with SAD to bright light to compensate for the diminished natural light in darker months. For this treatment, the person sits in front of a bright lightbox (10,000 lux) daily for about 30−45 minutes, usually first thing in the morning, from fall to spring.
Light therapy can help alleviate S-SAD symptoms by increasing serotonin levels, regulating melatonin production, and improving sleep patterns, all of which contribute to mood enhancement.
What types of light therapy devices are most effective for treating summer seasonal depression?
Light therapy devices that mimic outdoor light, such as Luminette 3 Light Therapy Glasses and Drive Light Therapy Lamp , can be effective in treating seasonal affective disorder. These devices emit blue light and provide the same efficiency with less glare than a regular light box in the marketplace. Most light boxes require you to stay still and sit for 30 minutes; they are cumbersome and emit a broad-spectrum white light that is generally dazzling.
On the other hand, Luminette 3 Light Therapy Glasses and Drive Light Therapy Lamp are lightweight, consume less energy, and are positioned at the perfect distance from the eyes, guaranteeing the best results.
How long and how often should I use light therapy to see results?
People who use light therapy for SAD see results within two to four days. To maximise its full benefits, you may need to use it every day for about two weeks. However, note that seasonal affective disorder symptoms can return quickly after stopping light therapy. Continuing to use the treatment can help you feel your best throughout the season. If you experience symptoms of summer seasonal depression, it is best to use light therapy throughout the entire season.
Can light therapy be combined with other treatments for better results?
While light therapy can give relief, for some people, this treatment may be more effective when combined with other SAD treatments, such as an antidepressant or psychotherapy, also called talk therapy.
