Ask Dr. Nick
On today’s episode, Dr. Nick talks about how light can be used as a therapy tool to improve symptoms in patients with sleep disorders and depression. The circadian rhythm is the 24-hour cycle that consists of day (light) and night (darkness). The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the hypothalamus deep in the brain is the pacemaker of that circadian rhythm. It uses light from the sun to set that clock; however, damage to that area, physical retraining, and traveling across time zones are all examples of how this clock can become altered. Light therapy can actually be used to reset this clock to improve symptoms of sleep disorders and depression. Check out the video for more in depth information on how to use light for your health!
Sloane PD, Figueiro M, Cohen L. Light as Therapy for Sleep Disorders and Depression in Older Adults. Clin Geriatr. 2008;16(3):25-31.
