The shorter daylight hours of the winter season can affect sleep, productivity and state of mind. Light therapy (also known as phototherapy) may help. It uses specially designed boxes that emit full-spectrum light to simulate sunlight. While still a relatively unknown treatment, light therapy has been shown to have positive benefits in addressing many health issues, including Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), severe premenstrual syndrome, bulimia, and as a non-drug treatment for depression. If you have been suffering from SAD or just feel a little blue this time of year, contact your physician or healthcare provider - depression is a treatable condition; light therapy may be an option he or she recommends for you.

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