Mood Management: SAD & SUB-SAD

For those who are affected by winter months and shorter days.

Light Therapy Solution for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

The TYGON™ Ultra Lyte can be used to effectively treat or as an adjunct to professional medical treatment of SAD and sub-SAD. The TYGON™ Ultra Lyte incorporates the ideal, scientifically supported, Blue wavelength of light (468 nm) in a compact and portable package, providing light therapy on-the-go.

What is SAD?

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is one type of clinically recognized depression that comes and goes with the seasons, most commonly starting in late fall/early winter, waning by spring and summer time. Summertime episodes can occur but are much less common. (National Institute of Mental Health, 2018)

Sub-SAD generally presents with hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness), a lack of energy, a craving for carbohydrates and weight gain, or a decreased interest in socializing. These symptoms sometimes are accompanied by a lowered mood, but not by an actual depression. Although less severe, sub-SAD is not harmless. The lack of energy or hypersomnia that one experiences can lead to social dysfunction, reduced educational opportunities/success, or difficulties with relationships or work-related problems. Several published studies have demonstrated the positive effects of light in treating sub-SAD. (Y Meesters, et al, 2016)

Treatment Options

(May be applied alone or in combination)

Medication
Light therapy
Psychotherapy
Vitamin D

The application of Light therapy has been a major part of SAD treatment since the 1980s. The principle behind light therapy is the daily exposure to bright, artificial light to replace the diminished sunshine that occurs during fall and winter months. For ideal results, it is recommended to sit in front of the light box (~20-30 inches away) first thing in the morning, on a daily basis, for 30 minutes.

The Science Behind Light Therapy

Recent studies have demonstrated that the human circadian rhythm is more sensitive to light with wavelength in the range of 450-480 nm (PH Desan, 2007). Light-Emitting-Diodes (LEDs) can be selected to emit light in specific wavelengths as opposed to fluorescent and incandescent sources which emit across the visible spectrum. Additionally, LEDs provide more efficiency, longer life, sturdiness and compact size.

The effects of low-intensity narrow-band blue-light treatment compared to bright white-light treatment in sub-syndromal seasonal affective disorder.

Meesters et al., BMC Psychiatry (2016) 16:27

“Symptoms of sub-SAD can be reduced effectively with light treatment, with the use of narrow-band blue-light treatment being equally effective as bright white-light treatment.”

About Blue Light For SAD

Light Therapy for Seasonal Affective Disorder with Blue Narrow-Band Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs)

G. Glickman, Biol Psychiatry 2006;59:502–507

“Narrow bandwidth blue light at 607 W/cm2 outperforms dimmer red light in reversing symptoms of major depression with a seasonal pattern.”

“This figure shows a comparison between mean (SEM) SIGH-SAD scores at each week in patients who were treated with the 468 nm blue light panel versus those treated with the 654 nm dim red light placebo device. While there was no difference between baseline scores across conditions, S

IGH-SAD scores of patients treated with the blue LED light were significantly lower than SIGH-SAD scores of patients treated with the red LED light (p<.02). SIGH-SAD, Structured Interview Guide for the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale- Seasonal Affective Disorder version.”